Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) welcomed a very special group of babies to the world on Thursday 29th February 2024.
Born on a leap day, these little Leapers or Leaplings, as those born on 29th February are named, are in the rare position of celebrating their official birthday every four years and will have the choice to celebrate their birthday on either February 28th or March 1st in coming years.
WWL’s first Leapling, Avery Rita-Rae, was born at 6:01am on the 29th February, weighing 6lbs 15oz. Her proud mum said: “It’s quite special having her born in a leap year, everything has come together, so she was definitely made to be born into the world today.”
Laura McCormack, mother of baby Tomás, who was born at 10:33am, said: “Tomás was due on the 7th March, but being born on this unique day is even better! His dad is born on the longest day of the year, 21st June, which is an astronomical event that occurs when the sun reaches its highest point. So, Tomás being born on a leap year is special to our family.”
Along with Avery and Tomas, five other babies were born at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary.
Divisional Director of Maternity, Cathy Stanford, said: “It is a pleasure to support every parent’s journey with us, here at WWL’s Maternity Unit, and the birth of a baby is always a precious time for the family. It is particularly fascinating to think of those born on a leap year and whose birthdays will only fall once every four years. Congratulations to the families of all our leap year babies.”