Wolverhampton leap year triplets celebrate turning 21

Since their birth at New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, on February 29, 2000 the sisters have been hitting the headlines, thought to be the first triplets born on February 29 in the UK.

Over the years the sisters have only been able to enjoy five actual birth dates but were determined to celebrate in style for the landmark occasion.

However, party-goer numbers were restricted because of the pandemic.

There were presents to be unwrapped but the big event will be a family holiday to Egypt later this year if restrictions are lifted.

Congratulations poured in from across the world as part of a special video complied by their 56-year-old father, Warren.

Alicia said: "It was special because we were all together and my sister Savannah was back from university.

"For the past two birthdays I have been in New York so it was a special family occasion."

India said: "The family made it a really special day and put a lot of effort into the everything.

"For me it was the best birthday we have ever had."

Warren added: "It was not the celebration we wanted but we hope to get away to Egypt on a family holiday later this year, depending on whether pandemic restrictions are lifted.

"The girls are quite diverse and have different interests.

"India and Alicia are international level dancers but Savannah is at Nottingham University and has just secured a place at Cambridge University to do a Masters Degree.

"We hired a hot tub with television and flashing lights, had music and a big balloon display and big cake and also enjoyed a special meal."

Those sharing the special day included the girl's grandmother, Mary Phillips, aged 86, housekeeper Shirley Johnson, aged 74, with them since lockdown, and also Alicia's dance partner, 21-year-old Yuriy Markovetskiy, from America, who arrived before lockdown.

Warren said: "I think they were quite touched by it all.

"They understood we could not really have a big party or go out."

He said that when the triplets were born he and his wife, Jane, aged 55, former British number one ballroom dancers, had been overjoyed but found it "crucial to have a routine".

Warren recalled when they were first born and it taking three hours to feed them before Jane got up to take over.

He said: "When older you have to tackle each hurdle as a family.

It is all a bit of a blur really.

"There have been lots of love and happy times but sadness and the ups and downs like everyone faces but we have it three times as much.

"It makes me laugh when people say they do not know how we cope with three children.

"You just have to find a way to do it.

"You can only do your best really that's what all parents have to remember."

Now the family is preparing for another big event when Alicia marries dance partner Yuriy Markovetskiy.

This was set to take place on March 21 but because of the pandemic has been rescheduled to April 21 at the Hanbury Barn at Burton-on-Trent.

The number of guests at the service will once again have to be limited but the family hope to hold a big celebration at a later date when restrictions are finally lifted.