Meet the Sunderland baby born on his great-grandad's 95th birthday as an extra special gift for his family

Little Charlie Evans was born on Wednesday, April 1 to parents Liam Evans and Anna-Leigh Carr, of Fulwell – a 8lb 5oz bundle of joy for the whole family in the midst of the coronavirus lockdown.

But his arrival was extra special for great-grandad Robert Robinson, Liam’s grandfather, who turned 95 on the day Charlie was born.

Though the rest of the family have not yet been able to meet the baby boy in person and give him a cuddle, Charlie’s loved ones have become well acquainted with him over FaceTime – including a special birthday introduction for great-grandad Robert.

Liam, 25, told the Echo he was “absolutely over the moon” for his son and grandad to share a birthday – something made all the more special by Robert’s remarkable turnaround from being poorly himself earlier in the year.

Charlie, who is almost one week old, is also thriving at home.

“I’m absolutely over the moon, it makes it a bit more special,” Liam said.

“[Charlie] is doing mint. He’s sleeping well and feeding. He’s been absolutely spot on.”

The new dad admitted it’s been hard not being able to see their families in person at such an exciting and emotional time, but he and Anna-Leigh, 24, are planning to host a family barbecue once lockdown is lifted, and it is safe to do so.

Both sets of grandparents, Joanne and David Evans and Allan and Clare Carr, also can’t wait to meet their grandson in person when the coronavirus restrictions are relaxed

Anna-Leigh’s dad Allan, 46, said: “I have such a close relationship with my daughter and we see each other every day, so not seeing her is hard enough, but knowing my first grandchild is here and not being able to meet him is absolutely heartbreaking.”

Liam added: “It’s awful not being able to see our families but it’s the best thing for him and for them too.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world.

But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you.

How to subscribe to the print edition:

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of.

Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.