First daughter for an Annesley mum arrives on Christmas Day

Thirty-one-year old Leanne Hucknall gave birth to Jacie-Rae Abby Draycott at King’s Mill Hospital.

The baby was keen to make an appearance four weeks early, and weighed in at 6lbs 7ozs, at 4.21am on December 25, after Leanne was taken into hospital suddenly on Christmas Eve.

Jacie-Rae Abby Draycott is the third child for Leanne and her partner of 14 years Jake Draycott. The pair already have two boys Marshall, aged nine, and Lewis, aged seven.

Mum says the big brothers are already “besotted” with their new little sister.

Jacie-Rae Abby will carry with her a touching family legacy - she was named after her aunt, Leanne’s sister Abby, who died aged just 18 around 10 years ago.

She will also bear a tribute in name to the memory of her grandad Alf Draycott, who sadly died just a few weeks ago, on December 2, 2021.

Leanne, a full-time mum and originally from Hucknall, said: “Our first daughter is the best Christmas present ever! Her big brothers are absolutely besotted with her and I am loving being a new mum again!

"Through Jacie-Rae ‘Abby’ we will always remember my sister Abby, and through ‘Draycott’ her grandad, Alf, who never got to meet her. I think he was looking our for her and sent her to us on Christmas Day.”

Leanne added: “I want to give a massive thank you to the midwives and neo-natal centre at King’s Mill. They are fantastic people. They made us feel reassured, nothing was too much trouble.”

More Christmas births to follow in your Chad.

Editor’s message: Support your Chad by becoming a digital subscriber. You will see 70 per cent fewer ads on stories, meaning faster load times and an overall enhanced user experience. Click here to subscribe