Birthday balloon from former Hartlepool maternity unit still going strong 21 years later

Chloe Bowman, 21 from Hartlepool was born on November, 28 1999 when her father bought the balloon gift from Hartlepool hospital’s maternity unit.

The family kept the gift in the loft and 21 years later are celebrating Chloe’s 21st birthday with the balloon still in tact.

Chloe said: “My dad bought it for my mum when I was born, it was put in the loft for years and when we moved house we found it.

"We got it out on my 21st birthday and it was actually really nice that it’s still going strong all these years later.”

Hartlepool hospital’s maternity unit is no longer open as the main maternity unit is now at University Hospital of North Tees.

Ms Bowman said: “There were a few cob webs and a bit of dust over the bouquet but the balloon is still really firm.

"We were all so surprised that it hadn’t deflated over the years – it’s amazing.

"I’m glad we kept it because I like the memories and it holds value to our family and it was lovely to still have it 21 years later.”

The family celebrated Chloe’s 21st birthday on Saturday, November 28 and the balloon was featured in plenty of the birthday photos.

The 21-year-old added: “We will keep the balloon and see how long it lasts, hopefully it will be a few more years!”