Lauren Doherty gave birth as she stayed with terminally ill daughter at hospice

Lauren Doherty with baby Charlie Greenwood, Gracie and dad Zak

The unexpected arrival of Charlie Greenwood at 10.30pm on Wednesday night came as mum Lauren Doherty and dad Zak, of Rochdale, were experiencing their first respite stay at Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley with daughter Gracie, who is 18 months old, and has an inoperable brain tumour.

Derian nurse Louise Leach was on hand to help before a midwife and paramedics arrived after Lauren went into labour after settling Gracie down to sleep for the night.

Lauren, who was eight days overdue and had been sent home from hospital just that morning after a false alarm, said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone at Derian for helping us so much when Charlie decided to put in an appearance.

“Gracie loves her little brother – the first time she saw him she gave him a kiss and a huge cuddle.”

Georgina Cox, chief executive of Derian House Children’s Hospice, said: “It was such a lovely surprise to welcome little Charlie into the world here at Derian House – the first birth in our 24-year history.

“Congratulations to Lauren, Zak and, of course, big sister Gracie. Charlie’s arrival is a true symbol of hope in the darkest of times. The pure joy on the faces of his family – and especially Gracie, who loves to kiss and cuddle her brother – is a joy to see.

“His unexpected arrival proves that our wonderful nurses here at Derian House really are able to handle whatever unexpected emergency is thrown at them. Palliative care nurse Louse Leach certainly didn’t expect to be acting as a midwife when she arrived on duty last night! Derian staff are renowned nationwide for the very best care they offer families: nothing is too much trouble. This extra-special delivery shows how our staff can rise to any occasion and provide the support our families need – whatever the situation!

“The hospice prides itself on making extra special memories for the families that pass through our doors but this is certainly one memory that no one at Derian will forget in a hurry. All our staff here are over the moon at this unexpected arrival.”