Mum gives birth in car park during rushed trip to hospital
- Jess Hannam gave birth in the car park of a care home after realizing they wouldn't reach the hospital in time.
- Joe Illsley assisted in the delivery while on the phone with a 999 operator, receiving help from care home staff.
- Their son Louie was born healthy, and the couple later visited the care home to thank those who assisted.
On August 28, Jess Hannam, 31, was en route to Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey with her partner Joe Illsley, 34, when she realized they would not reach the hospital in time for the birth of their child. With contractions starting just 90 minutes earlier, they faced a critical decision on where to stop. They opted for a nearby care home, Bagshot Gardens, believing it would be a more sanitary option than a petrol station. As Jess began to give birth in the car park, Joe was on the phone with a 999 operator for guidance. He assisted in delivering their son while seeking help from passersby. When a resident of the care home emerged, Joe quickly approached them for assistance. The community rallied around Jess, providing towels and blankets to support her during the delivery. An ambulance arrived shortly after the birth, transporting Jess and her newborn son, Louie, to the hospital. Louie weighed a healthy 6lb 7oz. The couple, both graphic designers, chose the middle name Avery in honor of Avery Healthcare, which operates the care home where Louie was born. Following the birth, Jess and Louie visited the care home to meet the staff and residents who had helped during the delivery. Care assistant Susan Bedford expressed her emotional response upon meeting the baby, highlighting the community's involvement in this unexpected yet joyful event.