A couple who first met as “miracle” babies in hospital stayed in touch as they grew up – and now have a child of their own.

Jack Richardson and Bronwyn Tacey were both born prematurely at Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham. Their families forged a friendship during their time on the neonatal ward and stayed close in the years after. Jack and Bronwyn then drifted apart in their teens and early twenties – before realising they were right for each other aged 27.

Now both 29, they have a young daughter of their own – also born in Queen’s – and are getting married in 2025. Bronwyn, who works in care, said: “I always knew there was something – but I didn’t think we would make anything of it.” Jack and Bronwyn were both born prematurely in 1994.

He was born at 30 weeks while she arrived after 26. Both were unwell and had to spend time in hospital – with Jack kept in care until he was a year old. It was during these tough times that their families forged a bond.

Bronwyn said: “I was in hospital for fourteen weeks before I came home. Jack was in intensive care. He was in there for a year with numerous hospital appointments. It was touch and go whether we would both make it. It’s a complete miracle that we are both here. I had growth hormone injections until I was 16 to ensure I was not really short.”

Bronwyn Tacey’s mum Debbie and Jack Richardson’s mum Sharon holding them as a baby ( Bronwyn Tacey /SWNS)

Their parents stayed in touch for years and raised their kids alongside one another. But when Jack and Bronwyn started different schools their connection dwindled as they pursued separate friendships. But even then, they kept each other’s birthdays on the calendar. And as they became older teenagers the pair resumed minimal contact, but only as friends.

Bronwyn said: “We saw each other every month when he was studying. We had a couple relationships each before we got together.” Everything changed in October 2021. Bronwyn said: “I [was pictured with] my hair done and he messaged me on Facebook.” The pair got chatting and Jack asked if she was with anyone.

They then went on a few dates and realised they were “right for each other”. Fast forward to May 2023 and the couple announced they were getting married. Their parents were “ecstatic” at the news, Bronwyn said. Jack’s mum Sharon Pickering said she “couldn’t quite believe it”.

Jack Richardson and Bronwyn Tacey when they were younger ( Bronwyn Tacey/SWNS)

The 53-year-old added: “It was just amazing. The first person he met is the person he’s got a baby with.” And in June 2023, Bronwyn found out she was pregnant with Sienna. She gave birth on February 23, 2024 in the same hospital that she and Jack were born in. Bronwyn admits it’s “strange” to tell people how they got together.

She said: “I don’t know anyone else or any other relationships that are like this.” But now living in Nuttall, on the skirts of Nottingham, the couple couldn’t be happier. Bronwyn said: “It’s a great partnership. We’re like best friends as well as partners. It’s the best of both worlds. We just get each other, finish each other’s sentences. We know what each other is thinking before we say it. Just feels really natural to be together.”