Three cheers!
Triple VE Day celebration for three generations of one Sunderland family each born on May 8
VE Day is a triple celebration for a family of Victorias who all celebrate their birthdays on the milestone day.
Three generations of one Sunderland family were all born on May 8, and had Victoria incorporated in their name to mark one of the most victorious days in British history.
As the clock struck midnight on May 8, 1945, and Sunderland celebrated the end of the Second World War in Europe, Carol Victoria Parker became the first baby born in the then town on the momentous day when she arrived at 12.30am.
It was a proud day for her parents who gave her the middle name Victoria in honour of the occasion.
Little did Carol, of Wear View Estate, imagine that one of her own daughters, Victoria Littlemore, would end up being born on May 8, 1968.
Another of her daughters, Joanne Parker, was also due to be born on May 8, but arrived early on April 27.
Joanne’s daughter, Melissa Victoria Simpson, however, did uphold the family tradition when she was born on May 8, 1995.
The date has become a triple celebration in their family, although this year’s birthdays in lockdown will be a little different.
Melissa says they plan to celebrate in style when restrictions are lifted, especially when this year’s VE Day marks Carol’s 75th birthday.
Melissa, from Washington, who turns 25 on VE Day, said: “It’s going to be a bit weird this year, but we’re going to do what we can.
“We’ll drop some food and gifts off at my nana’s and stand in the garden at a social distance from her to keep her safe.
“We’ve always felt proud to be born on such a historic day and to have it in our names.
“Growing up, it definitely made me more aware of VE Day and its importance.”
She added: “Whenever we tell people they’re always really surprised.
“My mam always jokes though as it means she has to buy three birthday presents.
“But it certainly means no one in the family can ever have an excuse to forget the date of our birthdays.”
Victory in Europe Day – VE Day – celebrates the formal acceptance by the Allies of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender of its armed forces.