Parents: Sarah Goody and Robert Deadman, of Southfield, Southwick. Born: 1.45pm, March 29. Weight: 9lb 12.5oz.

SARAH Goody and Robert Deadman describe their newborn son Joseph as an ‘absolute gem’. The couple have three children from Mr Deadman’s first marriage and now have two of their own.

Sarah, 29 said: “He tried coming into the world early three times, but we managed to make sure Joseph wasn’t premature. In the end he came nine days late.”

The couple, who have been together for four years, met and fell in love through a mutual friend after Robert, 38, lost his first wife Rachel to cancer in 2004. Sarah, a staff nurse at the RUH, said: “It was a difficult time. He didn’t want to move on, but we found each other.” Robert, an operations manager for a security firm, said: “He is doing really well and is a great addition to our family.”

Sarah said: “I was meant to have a water birth but the baby’s head got stuck. I knew he was really big while I was pregnant as I was really struggling. I am only a little size 8 so he seemed huge.”

The labour lasted just four hours, with Joseph being delivered at Trowbridge birthing centre. “They were very nice,” Sarah said. “I was so worried but they spoilt me as I was the only patient at the time so I had three nurses with me.”

Robert added: “Sarah and Joseph are now home and doing very well.”