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On her 16th birthday Mia Russell returns to the street in Teston where she was born - on the back seat of her Dad's car

Sixteen years ago, Laura Hollman, pregnant with her first child, was on route from her home in Shepway in Maidstone to Pembury Hospital for the birth.

But her daughter couldn't wait and her partner Michael Russell had to stop the car in Church Street, Teston, where baby Mia was born on the back seat of the couple's BMW.

'Baby' Mia has now turned 16. She is pictured in the street where she was born
'Baby' Mia has now turned 16. She is pictured in the street where she was born

Yesterday was Mia's 16th birthday and mum and daughter took a nostalgic trip back to Teston, to the spot where it all happened, to mark the anniversary.

Miss Hollman, who was 22 at the time, said: "I went into labour at about 7am. I had planned to have the birth at Maidstone Hospital, which was where my midwife was.

"But when I rang them and said I was having contractions they said they were busy and I should go to Pembury.

"I phoned Pembury and they told me to give it an hour, have a bath and see how I felt."

An hour later, she was certain the birth would come soon and she and her partner set out on the 20-mile journey. They got as far as Wateringbury before Miss Hollman's waters broke.

Laura Hollman and partner Michael Russell with baby Mia, 16 years ago
Laura Hollman and partner Michael Russell with baby Mia, 16 years ago

The couple called 999 and were told to abandon their trip to Pembury and head back to Maidstone Hospital.

Miss Hollman said: "I knew I wasn't going to make it. They told me to pull over and I started pushing."

A paramedic arrived in a car, another on a motorbike, then an ambulance and a midwife, who was off duty but turned up to help.

Miss Hollman said: "It was pretty dramatic, but Mia arrived, a lovely, healthy baby weighing 6lb 8oz!"

Now Mia has just completed her GCSEs at Cornwallis School where she did well, scoring five B grades and a Merit in business studies. She intends to return to Cornwallis for the sixth form to study childcare.

Proud mum Laura Hollman with her daughter Mia today
Proud mum Laura Hollman with her daughter Mia today

Miss Hollman said: "It's lovely to see how she's grown up over the years to become a really confident, outgoing person."

She said: "Whenever we drive past Teston, I always say 'That's were you were born.'

"I say it so often she gets a bit fed up with me!

"But I told her we just had to go back on her 16th birthday, it's such a milestone!"

Mia said: "It is amazing to think this is where I was born."

How we covered the story back in 2005
How we covered the story back in 2005

"But Mum does remind every time we drive past, and I’m, like, yes I know Mum."

These days Miss Hollman lives in Chainhurst near Marden and has a new partner.

She said: "Michael - Mia's father - and I separated three years ago. I was only 16 when we met and I think we were both just too young.

"But we parted on good terms and are still friends."

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