It was one delivery courier Simon Morris is unlikely to forget - the birth of his daughter in a moving car.

The 29-year-old delivery driver from Seaford was taking partner Carrie Thomas, 26, who was in labour, to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton to give birth when the drama unfolded.

But before they got near the hospital, their surprise package, later named Madeline, decided to make an early appearance.

The couple, along with three-year-old daughter Georgia, dashed to Simon's parents' home in Cavell Avenue, Newhaven.

Simon, who works for delivery firm DHL, said: "It was sheer panic.

"I was trying to reassure Carrie that we did have enough time to get to the hospital knowing in my mind that we probably didn't."

Carrie said: "It was all a bit of a blur. I knew the baby was coming out and there was no way I could stop it. I had to go with the flow and let it happen.

"We were on our way and suddenly my labour went full-blown. I said to Simon I don't think I'm going to make it to hospital and will have to have the baby in the car."

Simon went on: "As we travelled through Peacehaven I thought we'll have to go to my parents' house instead thinking the ambulance would be there before the baby."

Quick-thinking Simon rang his dad Bob Morris, 64, a postman, and told him to ring an ambulance ready for their arrival at his home in Cavell Avenue - but it was too late.

Carrie said: "As we pulled up outside the house the baby came out. Simon took Georgia inside while I sat there with the baby between my legs."

Simon said: "My first reaction was to think 'Is the baby okay?' and for five to ten seconds it was panic. She moved and gave out a little cry and then I felt relief it was over."

In the meantime Simon's parents Bob and Carol, 62, were waiting for them.

Carol had got together blankets for new mum Carrie and baby Madeline to keep them warm while Bob was busy on the phone taking instructions from medics while they waited for paramedics to arrive.

Proud grandfather Bob said: "As he pulled up outside, Carrie was having the baby in the front passenger seat.

"I phoned the ambulance and the lady on the phone was giving us instructions. My wife Carol brought down towels while all this was happening in the front seat.

"She came out and Simon was holding her. The ambulance was on its way but the baby had come before they arrived.

"It was quite a shock to see the baby being born in my son's car outside my house but thanks to that wonderful lady on the phone who was giving instructions to me and the wonderful paramedics this was first class service from the NHS."

Carol said: "It was mind-blowing. You go into automatic pilot really because you don't have time to panic.

"Simon got out the car half crying and told me to get some blankets. I haven't run up my stairs so fast in a long time. It all turned out alright in the end."

Carrie, Simon and new-born Madeline, who weighed 8lbs 9oz, eventually made it to hospital by ambulance where Carrie and baby stayed overnight on Sunday before coming home the next day.

The family are now doing fine with the new addition at home in Maple Fields, Seaford.

Carrie said: "Georgia loves her. She said to me the other day, 'Was I born in hospital mum? Because Madeline was born in a car'."

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