Leap Year: Meet the south Essex leap year babies celebrating

Today, proved an extra special day for Kiera Allman, Katie Strutt and Kevin Robinson as they celebrated their birthdays, while two new “leap year babies” were born at Basildon Hospital.

A leap year occurs every four years so while Katie Strutt, from Shoebury, celebrated turning 36, she also celebrated her “ninth real birthday”.

Party - Katie Strutt with her 9th birthday card (Image: Newsquest)

She said: “I love being a leap year baby. My mum used to tell me I was like the Queen and get two birthdays’ as I celebrate it on February 28 on non-leap years, and also on February 29.

“I say it is my chosen birthday and my real birthday. I am 36 but I love that people got me cards saying happy ninth birthday.

“My kids also love the fact they can say they are older than their mum.”

Kiera Allman, 12, from Benfleet, celebrated her “third” birthday with both a 12 balloon, and a “happy third birthday” bowling pin.

Leap year - Kiera Allman celebrating her birthday (Image: Newsquest)

Her mum, Leigh Brodie, said: “She loves it. I think this is the first year she has fully embraced it as she fully understands it now. It is unique, and people always ask us questions.”

Former Southend mayor, and councillor Kevin Robinson, 60, celebrated his “15th” birthday.

He added: “I think about it more when the 29th comes around. It is always an interesting talking point.

“When I was younger, my nan especially, used to send me cards that said six, seven and so on as a joke.”

Alongside those celebrating their birthdays, there were also two leap year babies born at Basildon Hospital.

Mum, Georgia Lacy, and dad, Jack Lacey, welcomed their second son Louie at 1.19am.

Georgia said: “Louie is doing well. He is healthy, and the birth was very, very quick. We are currently deciding on his birthday. We plan to celebrate it on the 28th, in non-leap years.

Happy - Mum Georgia Lacey, dad Jack, son Frankie, and baby Louie Lacey (Image: Mid and South Essex NHS Trust)

“On the 29th, we’ll celebrate his special birthday. He is very beautiful, and his big brother, Frankie, absolutely loves him.”

Mum, Blessing Osagie, and dad, Owen Osagie, welcomed Olivia at 2.50am via an unexpected c-section.

Blessing said: “Olivia and I are doing well, and she’s already our special girl. Even though I hoped for a different birthday, she chose today, and we’ll make the most of it.

“We will celebrate her every February 28, a special day in our family, as it’s her dad’s birthday too.”