By Pamela McGowan

Last updated at 12:28, Tuesday, 08 May 2012

Sisters Angela and Leanne Hardy announced they were pregnant about a week apart but neither expected they’d end up giving birth on the very same day.

Angela Hardy with son Oliver Meek and Leanne Hardy with daughter Sophie Clarke

Yet that’s exactly what happened, with cousins Oliver Meek and Sophie Clarke both born at Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary on Tuesday, May 1.

Leanne, 25, of Lansdowne Close, Stanwix, Carlisle, gave birth to baby Sophie, weighing 5lbs 11.5 oz, at 9.35am.

Angela, 27, of Longtown, had already been induced and was starting to have contractions when she heard her sister was also in hospital. She was able to go down the corridor to see her sister and new niece before her baby Oliver arrived.

He was eventually born by caesarean at 7.29pm the same day, weighing 9lbs 3.5 oz.

Angela, who already has a 22-month-old daughter Summer, said: “I announced I was pregnant first, then about a week later Leanne said she was pregnant as well.

“It was weird, especially when we found out the due dates were closer than expected. Originally we were a few weeks apart but after my scan they changed it so they were due just a day apart!”

Leanne, whose partner is Daniel Clarke, said: “We joked about having them on the same day but never thought it would happen. I wasn’t going to go in until Wednesday but my waters broke earlier.”

Angela added: “I went in for my induction on Monday and Leanne’s waters broke that night. I got a text on Tuesday morning to say I’m down the corridor. I think this is it!

“We ended up on the same ward right next to each other. It’s such a coincidence!”

Both Oliver, whose dad is Kail Meek, and Sophie are now back home and doing well. Angela and Leanne’s mum Ann Hardy was delighted to become a grandmother again twice in the same day. She said: “I was just overexcited when I realised. It’s absolutely lovely. I’m chuffed to bits. They’ll even be able to have joint birthday parties.”

Youngest sister Michelle Hardy, 23, is also over the moon to have a brand new niece and nephew to look after.

First published at 11:24, Tuesday, 08 May 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk