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Great-grandad from Tonbridge welcomes first boy in the family for more than 70 years

06:00, 07 June 2020

updated: 13:12, 08 June 2020

A brood are rejoicing after the first boy was born in the family for more than seven decades.

Michael Andrews, 80, from Tonbridge, has three daughters, five granddaughters, two great-granddaughters and now a great-grandson called Riley, born just last week.

Proud parents Jordan Bampton and Melanie Burghart with children Riley and Imogen, four
Proud parents Jordan Bampton and Melanie Burghart with children Riley and Imogen, four

The last male was Michael's younger brother. Ironically, after such a long wait, another great-grandson is due in September.

Michael's son-in-law and Riley's great-uncle, Stuart Fraser, 50, a tesco delivery driver, said: "We were outnumbered, there are so many girls. It's pretty amazing.

"There's so much doom and gloom at the moment, I thought it would be nice to show there's some good coming as well. He's a gorgeous little thing."

Riley's parents Melanie Burghart and Jordan Bampton, from Wateringbury, already have a four-year-old daughter called Imogen.

Although contained in their separate homes for now, when the pandemic is over, there will be many milestones for the brood to mark; two fiftieth birthdays, a thirtieth birthday and of course, Michael's eightieth, with two new, much cherished additions.

Michael Andrews, 80, has seen the first boy born in his family for more than seven decades
Michael Andrews, 80, has seen the first boy born in his family for more than seven decades

The wonderful news comes after a difficult time for the family, as Michael has cancer and other family members have been struck with the disease over the last few years.

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