Warning: Readers may find the images in this article upsetting.
A dad has shared a photo of himself cradling his daughter who was born at 18 weeks and lived for just 15 minutes.
Imgur user Tallyman shared the photo with the Imgur community on the day that was meant to be her due date - 23 March 2017. She was born on 23 October 2016.
“She lived for 15 minutes after she was born,” the dad wrote. “She had 10 fingers, 10 toes, all with fingernails and toenails.
“I wish I could have walked her down the aisle, held her when she was scared, took her to her first day of school, but I thank God for the 15 minutes I had with her.”
He continued: “Today’s gonna be rough, but I wanted to share my little girl with you today, Imgur, because she was beautiful and I never want her to be forgotten.”
The photos have been viewed more than 300,000 times in just one day. Many people shared comments on the photo.
“You’re a father and she will always be your first born,” one person wrote. “Keep every memory in your heart no matter how short your time with her was.”
Click through the slideshow to see the images.
Another wrote: “I lost my son at 22 weeks. You are a father and always will be. I am so sorry for your loss. I am here if you need to talk.”
And someone else commented: “A random comment from a complete stranger probably on the other side of the world but I want to send you a tonne of sincere and heartfelt love.”
After receiving the kind comments, the dad wrote: “Thank you for all the supporting messages and comments. My wife and I greatly appreciate them more than you know.
“Man, who knew you could feel so much love from a bunch of strangers on the internet. Hold your babies tight today and get them some ice cream.”