Couple's happy ending after long-distance maternity dash plight

Apr 13 2008 By Steve Dinneen

Exclusive: First Triplets Picture Couple's Happy Ending After Long-Distance Maternity Dash Plight

THIS is the moment proud Jennifer Gray and partner Lee Brown held their triplets for the first time after a long-distance nightmare.

Mum Jennifer was forced out of Scotland to give birth due to a bed shortage at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital.

But the delighted and relieved couple were happy to pose for the Sunday Mail as they cradled triplets Chloe, Declan and Kyle.

The cute trio were born by Caesarian on Thursday - but after Jennifer had been forced into a nightmare 360- mile trip by air ambulance to Liverpool from Aberdeen.

She had been told there was no hospital with three free neo-natal beds in Scotland for her unborn children.

But after a trouble-free birth at Liverpool Women's Hospital, Jennifer and Lee only had celebrations on their mind yesterday - as they toasted the new arrivals.

And Lee joked that while the triplets had been registered as English, he still wants Declan and Kyle to play for Scotland.

He said: "I hope the lads will be proud enough of their roots to play for Scotland if they got the chance."

Although six weeks premature, all had healthy weights - Declan weighed in at 3lb 15oz, Chloe at 3lb 14oz and Kyle at 4lb 1oz.

Jennifer, 28, of Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, said: "We're obviously hugely thankful to the doctors in Liverpool and we're grateful that the babies are all healthy.

"But we should never have been put in this situation.

"Giving birth to one child is traumatic enough without having to be rushed across the country, let alone three.

Even worse - on the way back we might have to have three separate flights - one for each of the babies."

Although the triplets have been given a clean bill of health, once back in Aberdeen they will stay at the city's Royal Infirmary for a few weeks' observation.

Jennifer has two other children - Tiffany, eight, and five-year-old Josh - who are looking forward to seeing their new brothers and sister.

She added: "We just can't wait to get back home" The trip down to Liverpool also had a special significance for proud dad Lee, 31.

It was the first time he had been out of Scotland - and his first time on a plane.

He is convinced Kyle has cheekily displayed his discomfort at being registered as English - by peeing on a doctor.

Lee said: "I think it was his way of rebelling against being born in England.

"He had a look in his eyes as if to say 'take that'."

Pictures: MARK ANDERSON

'We're grateful but should never have been in this situation' Jennifer Gray

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