She’s streets ahead! M54 layby baby honoured with homes development named after her

A 10-year-old girl who was born on a layby on the M54 said she is honoured after housebuilders decided to name a development after her.

Isobel Hickman, with Taylor Wimpey sales executives Sam Banks and Molly Stephens

Isobel Hickman was born on November 5, 2007, in the layby off the M54, midway through a journey to hospital.

It was a happy ending, with a healthy baby being delivered with the help of paramedics and Isobel made the pages of the Shropshire Star as a newborn.

In 2008, a tree was planted near her birthplace to commemorate her first birthday.

Isobel with her parents Alison and Richard Hickman, sisters Catherine and Emily, and Taylor Wimpey sales executives Sam Banks and Molly Stephens

Now her family are thrilled that Taylor Wimpey is celebrating Isobel’s first decade by naming their housing development in Lawley, Telford, Isobel Gardens.

Isobel and her mother Alison were special guests at a launch event and cut the ribbon to open the new showhome, before being taken on a tour of the development.

Looking back 10 years, Mrs Hickman said: “It was a bit unexpected as I had been told when I went into labour earlier in the morning that we had more time.

“On the way to the hospital, we ended up having to pull over as she was eager to meet everyone.

“It was such a shock and a wonderful surprise when Taylor Wimpey contacted me to say the development name had been inspired by my daughter.

“We think it is a fantastic way to mark the 10 years since Isobel was born.

Parents Alison and Richard with Emily, James, Catherine and baby Isobel

“She enjoyed being the guest of honour at the show home launch. We have lived in the local area for a long time now, it’s quite rural but there are lots of amenities on your doorstep and fantastic travel links to Birmingham and Shrewsbury nearby.”

Carl Cooke, sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey North Midlands, said: “We were delighted to welcome Isobel and Alison to Isobel Gardens for the launch of our beautiful new showhome.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to have the people who inspired the development’s name to cut the grand opening ribbon and to take them on a tour of the property. We are so pleased they enjoyed this special moment, which no doubt they will treasure for years to come.”