Three generations of Sunderland family all celebrate birthdays on VE Day - and they're all called Victoria

VE Day is a triple celebration for a family of Victorias who all celebrate their birthdays on the milestone day.
Carol Victoria Parker, who turns 75 on VE Day, with her granddaughter, Melissa Victoria Simpson, who turns 25 on VE Day and Carol's daughter Victoria Littlemore who turns 52 on VE Day. The family are pictured before lockdown.Carol Victoria Parker, who turns 75 on VE Day, with her granddaughter, Melissa Victoria Simpson, who turns 25 on VE Day and Carol's daughter Victoria Littlemore who turns 52 on VE Day. The family are pictured before lockdown.
Carol Victoria Parker, who turns 75 on VE Day, with her granddaughter, Melissa Victoria Simpson, who turns 25 on VE Day and Carol's daughter Victoria Littlemore who turns 52 on VE Day. The family are pictured before lockdown.

Three generations of one Sunderland family were all born on May 8 and had Victoria incorporated in their name to mark one of the most victorious days in British history.

As the clock struck midnight on May 8, 1945 and Sunderland celebrated the end of the Second World War in Europe, Carol Victoria Parker became the first baby born in the then town on the momentous day when she arrived at 12.30am.

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It was a proud day for her parents who gave her the middle name Victoria in honour of the occasion. Little did Carol, of Wear View Estate, imagine that one of her own daughters, Victoria Littlemore, would end up being born on May 8, 1968.

Melissa Victoria was born on May 8, 1995. She's pictured here as a baby with her grandma and aunty.Melissa Victoria was born on May 8, 1995. She's pictured here as a baby with her grandma and aunty.
Melissa Victoria was born on May 8, 1995. She's pictured here as a baby with her grandma and aunty.

Another of her daughters, Joanne Parker, was also due to be born on May 8, but arrived early on April 27. Joanne’s daughter, Melissa Victoria Simpson, however, did uphold the family tradition when she was born on May 8, 1995.

The date has become a triple celebration in their family and although this year’s birthdays in lockdown will be a little different, Melissa says they plan to celebrate in style when restrictions are lifted, especially when this year’s VE Day marks Carol’s 75th birthday.

Melissa, from Washington, who turns 25 on VE Day, said: “It’s going to be a bit weird this year, but we’re going to do what we can. We’ll drop some food and gifts off at my nana’s and stand in the garden at a social distance from her to keep her safe.

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“We’ve always felt proud to be born on such a historic day and to have it in our names. Growing up, it definitely made me more aware of VE Day and its importance.”

The Echo has covered the story throughout the years. Here's how we covered it on May 8, 2015.The Echo has covered the story throughout the years. Here's how we covered it on May 8, 2015.
The Echo has covered the story throughout the years. Here's how we covered it on May 8, 2015.

She added: “Whenever we tell people they’re always really surprised. My mam always jokes though as it means she has to buy three birthday presents. But it certainly means no one in the family can ever have an excuse to forget the date of our birthdays.”

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How the Echo covered the story in 2005.How the Echo covered the story in 2005.
How the Echo covered the story in 2005.

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Carol, Melissa and Victoria are looking forward to celebrating with the rest of their family when they can.Carol, Melissa and Victoria are looking forward to celebrating with the rest of their family when they can.
Carol, Melissa and Victoria are looking forward to celebrating with the rest of their family when they can.

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