Louie Speakman was due on New Year’s Eve, but arrived just an hour-and-a-half into Christmas Day
Baby Louie Speakman with dad Alfie Speakman and mum Ella Leatham. Born Christmas Day in Liverpool.(Image: Alfie Speakman)
A family received “the best Christmas present” as their first son arrived six days early. Little Louie Speakman was due to be born on New Year’s Eve, but mum Ella Leatham, 21, went into labour early on Christmas Eve.
Ella, from Old Swan, and partner Alfie Speakman, 21, rushed to the Liverpool Women’s Hospital, where Louie was delivered just an hour and thirty minutes into Christmas Day, weighing 9lbs. Dad Alfie, a pharmaceutical delivery driver, said: “We’re still over the moon. It doesn’t feel real.”
Alfie, originally from St Helens, added: “I hope he grows up to be a little heartbreaker. He’s gorgeous, and he’s a little chunk.” Mum Ella, who works as a reservations agent at the Pullman Liverpool hotel at King’s Dock, said: “He’s amazing. We couldn’t have had a better Christmas present. Everyone is in awe of him.”
Ella Leatham with baby Louie, born Christmas Day at Liverpool Women’s Hospital. (Image: Alfie Speakman)
The ECHO visited Arrowe Park and the Women’s hospitals on Christmas Day and met with several new parents who welcomed their little ones that morning.
Baby Reggie Bolton arrived to mum Lois Baker, 21, and dad Harvey Bolton, 20, from Bidston, at Arrowe Park at 2.07am. First-time mum Lois went into labour early on Christmas Eve, three days ahead of her due date. Despite having just two hours of sleep, Lois said: “It’s the best present I ever could have had. No-one will ever beat this present.”
Dad Alfie Speakman with baby Louie, born Christmas Day at Liverpool Women’s Hospital. (Image: Alfie Speakman)
Little Serenne Calder was born at Liverpool Women’s Hospital at 5.39am to parents Ant Calder, 42, and student nurse Keileigh Gough, 38, from Old Swan.
Reuben Evans arrived at Arrowe Park Hospital to parents Mill Hickin, 23, and Hayden Evans, 26, from Birkenhead, at 4.52am. He was days early, and the pair had joked about their little one arriving on Christmas Day, but “never thought it would happen,” mum Mill said.
Louie Speakman, born at Liverpool Women’s Hospital on Christmas Day 2025.(Image: Alfie Speakman)
But she went into labour early on Christmas Eve, with the couple arriving at the hospital that evening. Mill said: “It’s all worth it to see his little face on Christmas Day.”
Wagon driver Hayden said: “We’re over the moon. It’s the best Christmas present ever.”
Baby Louie Speakman, born Christmas Day at Liverpool Women’s Hospital. (Image: Alfie Speakman)
Jadie-Leigh Duggan arrived to mum Jade Duggan, from Birkenhead, at Arrowe Park Hospital at 4am weighing 5lbs 13oz. “It’s an amazing feeling,” said Jade, 24.