Wirral optician delivers baby during Africa charity trip

Feb 15 2012 Birkenhead News

A WIRRAL optician turned midwife after she was called upon to help deliver a baby during a charity trip to Africa.

Fliss Roberts volunteered to spend six weeks helping Vision Aid Overseas to test the eyesight of locals and give them glasses donated by people in the UK.

But the trip took an unexpected twist when a patient started to give birth a matter of moments after arriving at the remote sight clinic she was working in.

Fliss said: "The lady had walked for two hours during labour to get to the clinic where I was working just so she could have the security of some medically trained people nearby."

It turned out to be a good decision as Fliss was able to use the same composure required in her day job to help welcome the new arrival.

And as Reds’ fan Fliss had nothing else to hand, the baby ended up wrapped in an LFC towel.

She added: "Maybe this will mean football is in the baby's blood. I hope the child turns out to be a Liverpool fan one day."

Although Fliss, who works for Birkenhead Specsavers, wasn't expecting to be required to act as an auxiliary midwife, she was happy to be able to make a difference during her spell in the country.

She added: "It was a really rewarding experience and so humbling too. These people have so little but are happy and generous with what they do have.

"A pair of glasses can change their lives because sight enables them to work and learn; it can make all the difference to them."

To donate to Vision Aid Overseas, call in to Birkenhead Specsavers in the Grange Precinct or call 0151 650 1666.