Two Scots cousins became fathers on the same day after their pregnant wives were placed in beds next to each other on a busy maternity ward.
Andrew Gibbon and wife Lauren's baby girl was due on October 22 but the couple had gone to Forth Valley Royal Hospital, in Larbert, a day early for Lauren to be induced. When the expectant parents arrived on the ward, they were told to pick a bed of their choice.
But the pair were left gobsmacked when the curtain between them and the neighbouring bed was pulled back to reveal Andrew's cousin Ross Louden and his wife Chloe were in the bed next to them.
Chloe had been admitted two days earlier - a fortnight before her due date - after she showed signs of pre-eclampsia, a condition that causes high blood pressure during pregnancy and in labour.
It was a happy surprise for the families, who each welcomed a baby girl just hours apart on October 22.
Speaking to the Record, smart meter technician Andrew, 33, said: "It was a big surprise. Chloe wasn't due until November so we didn't think they would be in hospital at the same time as us.
"We walked into the ward and the nurse said to Lauren, ‘just choose any bed’. We sat down and then I heard my auntie Moria's voice - my mum's sister - and she said 'oh there's Andrew and Lauren'. We pulled back the curtain and there was Ross and Chloe on the bed.
"We never expected to see them, never mind be in the bed next to them. We were happy we were in good company."
Ross, a 30-year-old chemical engineer, added: "You couldn’t make it up!"
Ross and Chloe welcomed daughter Sophia into the world at 7.15am on October 22. Lauren and Andrew had a longer wait, eventually giving birth to Amelia at 10.47pm the same day. Both girls were born happy and healthy.
It's not the first time the family have enjoyed a double celebration. Andrew's mum Fiona and Ross’s mum Moira, both 58, are twin sisters, and were married on the same day in a special double wedding.
They've now became grandparents together, on the same day.
While this is the first child for the couples, both from the Grangemouth area, Ross' mother Moira already has a granddaughter from her other son.
The 'surreal' experience meant first time mums Chloe and Lauren were able to lean on each other for moral support and pass the nervous wait chatting. Delighted dental nurse Lauren, 32, said: “I was really surprised and chuffed. It was great to have a pal there to help pass the time while we waited.
“I knew Andrew wouldn’t be allowed to stay with us because we were sharing a room – so at least me and Chloe had each other. It was really good to get some moral support."
Chloe, a credit controller, continued: "It was great to have Lauren beside me to get through it together. We were really chuffed.
"Giving birth is a surreal situation anyway, we just couldn’t believe it. It was a bit of a whirlwind, but it’s been the happiest time of our lives."
Discussing the babies’ special bond, Chloe, 29, added: “We’re a close-knit family so we’ll definitely be bringing up the girls together. I'm sure they'll be best friends and celebrate their birthdays with each other.”
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