Mee had to contend with every parent’s worst nightmare when baby Olive was born four months prematurely in May, weighing just 1lb 2ozs.
Adding to the difficulties, Covid restrictions meant there were periods when he was not allowed to visit wife Sarah or their new daughter in hospital as the little one fought for her life.
Mercifully, Olive returned to live at home in September where she met her two-year-old brother and she continues to improve, though remaining on oxygen to aid her progress.
‘I’ve learned plenty about myself, definitely,’ said 31-year-old Mee about his ordeal. ‘It’s been a tough year for everyone and emotional in general for me. I think I’m proud of myself, I’m still looking after my little girl so I’ll reflect more in years to come.
‘Olive was born after 24 weeks, very early. I’d never experienced anything like it before and it put everything else into perspective; football, everyday life, the lot.
‘It was hard with the restrictions and guidelines and of course a little girl in the midst of it. It was just a case of trying to get her and my family through it.
‘We had the conversation with doctors [about Olive’s prospects] and of course it was difficult. Luckily we got to a point where they could do their work.
‘Thankfully it’s worked out OK and she’s doing really well now. She came back the day before she was actually due to be born. It was a big moment for her to meet Jaxon, an emotional day. She is on oxygen but we’d have taken that at the beginning. Hopefully she will be coming off it soon.’
Football was an escape. Mee continued to serve Burnley admirably during his crisis, boosted by the support he received from manager Sean Dyche.
