From brush with death lively Bristol 13-year-old

Stephanie Smith's speedy entry into the world made headlines when she was born 13 years ago.

Her mum Frances had no time to go to hospital and her dad Geoffrey ended up being the midwife.

Stephanie Smith, 13, with mum Frances, dad Geoffrey and brother Andrew, 14

On Saturday, Stephanie, who goes to John Cabot Technology College, celebrated her 13th birthday with a barbecue at her family's home in Delabere Avenue, Fishponds.

Frances, 43, will never forget the day she gave birth to her third child on July 7, 1996 – reported by the Bristol Evening Post at the time.

She said: "I got up in the morning and took the dog for a walk round the block.

"By the time I realised I was in labour it was too late to go anywhere.

"I called to Geoffrey to say the baby was coming and as he came downstairs, her head was appearing."

Labour lasted just 25 minutes. As Stephanie was born the umbilical cord was twisted twice around her head and was tightening around her neck.

Geoffrey, who was a first aider with the St John Ambulance at the time, managed to ease the cord away from the baby's head.

At that moment, the paramedics arrived and they took over.

Frances said: "She was grey and floppy. I didn't realise it at the time but she wasn't breathing and they got her breathing in the ambulance."

Stephanie tipped the scales at 5lb and 13oz.

Frances said: "Geoffrey tries not to remember it, but he was fantastic. He kept me together until the paramedics arrived."

Geoffrey, 43, a painter and decorator, said: "I don't like talking about this very much – I would rather deliver pizzas than babies any day. I didn't do anything special. It was happening, so I just had to get on with it."

Stephanie is good at most subjects at school and loves sports and IT.

She makes jewellery and is a very caring child, say her parents.

Stephanie spent her actual birthday at school before going out shopping.

She has a brother Neil, 23, stepsister Kirsty, 23, and brother Andrew, 14.

Stephanie said: "I've heard this story about 50 times. My mum talks about this every time I have a birthday – it's embarrassing.

"I had a really nice birthday this year, with my friends and family."

One guest at the party was Stephanie's best friend Abi, who was in the same special care baby unit at the same time as Stephanie, long before they met and became friends.