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Baby gives mum Xmas day treat

Ailsa Cranna
2/ 1/2003

BABY Nicole Marie Berry was in such a hurry to be born, she almost arrived in the car park at Hope Hospital's maternity unit.

She certainly caught parents Elaine and Scott on the hop, providing them with a Christmas Day they will never forget.

The couple were watching their son Luke open his presents at home in Malcolm Avenue, Clifton when Elaine's contractions started.

"I didn't say anything because Luke was having such a good time but when we had finished I went upstairs to lie down," she explained.

"Scott came up and the pain started to get really bad so I told him to phone for an ambulance.

"The ambulance staff carried me out and were worried that I was going to give birth there and then.

"I certainly wanted to but they told me to wait until the doors were closed!

"Happily, we made it to the hospital and they rushed me in and 15 minutes later Nicole weighed in at 7lb 3oz.

"I had my Christmas lunch at the hospital and was home again by 6.30pm."

Other proud Christmas Day mums were Tara Kelly, of Clifton who gave birth to Maxim, at 4.55am; Lindsey Dunbar, of Swinton, who gave birth to Archie at 10.22am; and Swinton mum Catherine with Isabelle Ellen Moore, born at 9.40pm.