Baby Born In Care Home Car Park Visits For A Heartwarming Reunion
At less than 100 days old, newborn Louis Illsley surprised the residents of Bagshot Gardens Care Home, some of whom are approaching 100 years old.
Louis was born in the care home’s car park on Wednesday 28th August, after his mother went into intense contractions while the couple were on their way to Frimley Hospital.
Parents Jess Hannam and Joe Illsley, who already have a son, Logan, as well as Joe’s brother Alfie, whom they have special guardianship over, decided to name their newborn Louis, with the middle name ‘Avery’ to honour the care home’s role in his birth.
In a heartwarming reunion, Jess and Joe Hannam returned to the luxury care home on Wednesday 11th September to introduce their newborn to the staff and residents who helped during his unexpected arrival.
They met with the entire team and residents at Bagshot Gardens Care Home, who cooed and cuddled little Louis.
Weeks earlier, Jess went into intense contractions, forcing the couple to pull into the care home’s car park.
With no time to spare, and under the guidance of a 999 operator, Louis was delivered safely by Joe, with the help of the care home staff.
Bagshot Gardens Care Home staff provided towels, blankets, and warm water to keep mother and baby safe and comfortable until the ambulance arrived.
During their return to the care home, the couple surprised the staff and residents with a box of goodies as a gesture of gratitude.
In return, the care home presented the family with a baby hamper, including a personalised baby grow embroidered with “Avery”.
Susan Bedford, Care Assistant at Bagshot Gardens Care Home, was one of the first to assist Joe in delivering his son.
She said, “Meeting the baby was very emotional. We have residents here who are nearly 100 years old, and then there’s baby Louis, who isn’t even 100 days old yet. It really makes you realise how precious life is. I’m glad to see that they’re all doing well, and that baby Louis is healthy.”
The visit to Bagshot Gardens Care Home was not just a special moment for Jess and Joe but also for the residents, who were delighted to meet the newborn and share in the joy of his arrival.
As baby Louis wrapped his hand around Betty’s finger, a resident at the care home, she said, “I am very much lost for words, but what an amazing experience.”
Bagshot Gardens Care Home, is in Bagshot, Surrey, and part of the Avery Healthcare Group, is proud to have played a part in such a significant moment for this family and continues to provide exceptional care and support to both its residents and the wider community.
