Sunderland mum thanks NHS staff at Sunderland Royal Hospital after being the first to give birth on Easter Sunday

Ashley Hossack and Dean Mccairns, both aged 25, were the first parents to welcome their newborn daughter into the world on Easter Sunday.

Harlow Elizabeth Mccairns arrived at 8.18am on Sunday, April 12 weighing 6lb 3 ozs at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

New mum Ashley said that she was scared giving birth in the middle of a pandemic, but the NHS staff were great and put her at ease.

She said: “At first, I was really scared. I didn’t know if Dean would be allowed in the delivery room with me. When we first got to the hospital, he was told to wait in the reception area.

“But the NHS staff were great. All the doctors and midwives had protective equipment on and they made me forget about the coronavirus. I can’t thank them enough.”

Dean works as a carer and the couple have been living apart due to the lockdown so it will be a little while before they can all be together as a complete family.

Ashley said: “Dean works in a care home, so we decided before lockdown that it would be best if we lived separately given the nature of his job.

“I’m living with my parents so they are getting to see her grow, I’m excited for all of Dean’s family to meet her. They have only seen her over Facetime.

“I can’t wait for it all to be over so Harlow can bond with her dad.”

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