Skegness couple celebrate safe arrival of baby - in hotel car park

Harriet Hanson and partner Adam Smith had checked into the Premier Inn in Grimsby awaiting the birth because it was snowing and travelling conditions were too dangerous to make the 29-mile journey to hospital again.

In spite of hotels being closed to the general public due to Covid-19 restrictions, Government guidelines allowed the couple to book into the hotel because of special circumstances.

However, no sooner had they been shown their room than Harriet's waters broke.

A Premier Inn night team member, Mike Krofchak, was straight on hand to assist the couple, calling 999, where the emergency responder advised that given the rapidly escalating situation the unexpected birth crew may need to prepare to deliver the baby themselves in Room 3.

Fortunately, paramedics quickly arrived, transporting Harriet to the waiting ambulance in the car park.

No sooner than dad-to-be Adam popped inside the hotel to fetch their belongings than he was quickly summoned back to the ambulance because the baby was about to be born.

Baby Charlie William Lee Smith arrived at 00:29 on Monday morning, weighing a healthy 8lb 3.5oz. The family were then taken to Grimsby Hospital and were able to return home the next day.

The couple said: "We are so grateful for the care and kindness shown by the team at Premier Inn, especially by Mike, during our time of need.

"The three decisions we made that night; follow our instincts and not return home to Skegness, find somewhere local to stay, and finally choosing the Premier Inn, were, we believe critical in ensuring the safe arrival of baby Charlie.

"To say you were born in the car park of a hotel is certainly a story you will never forgot – we have even affectionately nicknamed him Carpark Charlie!”

Premier Inn Night Team Member, Mike Krofchak commented: “We welcome guests from all walks of life, but baby Charlie is definitely the most unexpected. When the couple arrived,

"I could see the mum was in a lot of pain, so I wanted to make everything as easy as possible for them.

"It is a real privilege to know I helped in some small way with the safe arrival.

"At Premier Inn we always like to do everything we can to make sure our guests have a great stay, and this is definitely an experience none of us will ever forget.”

Bethan Lister-Frankish, Deputy Hotel Manager at Premier Inn Grimsby said: “We are so proud of Mike and the part he played in the safe arrival of baby Charlie, his calm manner and practical approach helped reassure Mr Smith in a time of real anxiety.

"We wanted to ensure the family had a safe haven to return to if needed after the birth and were really pleased to hear that Mum and baby were doing well, when Mr Smith returned the next day.

"We wish them all the best and look forward to welcoming them back again soon.”