A BABY came into the world in dramatic style as he was born on a Hockley driveway.

Jude Hayward-Lee made a very sudden and speedy appearance as there proved to be no time for Martin Lee and the pregnant Tor Hayward to travel to hospital.

Martin and Tor’s sister were instructed on how to deliver baby Jude should the ambulance not arrive in time.

Although the ambulance was at the Hockley home in time, Jude was not willing to wait any longer to enter the world.

Echo:

Healthy - baby Jude

Tor said: “Jude was born at 12.59pm on May 25 in an ambulance on our driveway at home after deciding to make a sudden, very speedy and slightly dramatic appearance into the world.

“After a labour that spiralled out of nowhere, it was clear we shouldn’t drive ourselves to hospital.

“The emergency service call team prepped my sister and partner over the phone on delivering the baby while waiting for the ambulance as it was clear he was on his way.

“They managed to keep us calm and confident throughout until help came.

“We made our way into the ambulance with contractions coming fast and more intense and the plan to blue light to hospital, but baby Jude had other plans!”

After an unforgettable day, Tor and her 9lb 8oz little bundle of joy spent the night on the Southend Hospital maternity unit.

Tor was keen to thank the NHS heroes who were by the side of her and Jude amid the coronavirus pandemic.

She added: “I could not be more grateful to the amazing team who were part of our story in these uncertain times.

“From the antenatal care by the incredibly busy midwives and sonographers leading up to the day to the midwives on board the ambulance and at the hospital, paramedics, nurses, anaesthetists and all other NHS staff.

“They were truly amazing and went above and beyond to make sure myself and my baby were cared for throughout our short stay.

“I couldn’t have asked for better support and genuine care from the amazing team.”