September 14, 2020 4.57 pm This story is over 42 months old

Newborn helps with special baby grow proposal

Rainbow baby delivers great news
Steve proposed to Jess with the help of their newborn daughter Imogen. Photo: Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Welcoming a baby into the world is already a special moment, but for one happy couple from Lincolnshire the day got even better after a unique marriage proposal.

Jess Mayall and Steve Branson from Waltham near Grimsby have been together for 18 years and on Wednesday their family grew with the addition of baby Imogen.

Just minutes after being born, Imogen delivered a special message on her baby grow which read “Mummy, will you marry Daddy?”.

With the help of Imogen and the midwifery staff at Hull Women and Children’s hospital, Steve was able to propose and, of course, Jess said yes.

Imogen helped with the proposal by wearing this special baby grow. Photo: Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Jess said yes! Photo: Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Jess said: “It was such an amazing surprise. We’ve had many ups and downs together, but we’re thrilled to be able to start the next part of our journey as a family.

“We have been together for almost 18 years and have been trying for a baby for almost six years now.

“In 2018 we were lucky enough to conceive with the help of the IVF team in Hull but sadly, on July 5, 2019, our daughter Ava was born sleeping at 38 weeks and 3 days.

“Imogen is our Rainbow baby; she was also conceived via IVF at Hull so it was lovely that she could be involved in this.”

Jess Mayall, Steve Branson and their newborn daughter Imogen. Photo: Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Steve said: “Now that Imogen is here it feels like a huge weight has been lifted and this just felt like the perfect time to ask Jessica to (finally) be my wife! We can finally start the next chapter of our lives with Imogen; with Ava in our hearts.

“I would like to thank everyone on the labour ward for helping me to pull this off; the care we have received has been incredible from start to finish.

“We would like to express our gratitude to all of the doctors, especially Dr Tibbott who’s been amazing, the IVF team especially Dawn and Nicky, and Louise and Sarah from the bereavement team, all of whom have supported us throughout.”