Ellesmere Port soldier proposes to girlfriend after hearing his new baby son’s first cries

AN ELLESMERE Port based soldier who became a dad while fighting in Afghanistan proposed to his girlfriend last week after he heard his new baby’s cries over the phone.

Infantry soldier Danny Hughes, 19, had called Jenny Chung, of Wenlock Gardens, Ellesmere Port, just moments after little Alfie was born.

Last week the 8lbs 8oz tot was in 17-year-old Jenny’s arms when Danny, who is serving with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, rang her mobile phone from the front line.

Danny is due to return home this May and the couple hope to tie the knot in June.

Danny was sent to Afghanistan less than a week before Alfie’s arrival at the Countess of Chester Hospital on Christmas Day.

Jenny said: “It was a tough week because he flew out on the Friday (December 18) and my waters broke on the Monday. I came home and went back into hospital on the Wednesday before being induced on Christmas Eve. Alfie was born the following day.

“Danny did actually call me while it was all happening but I told him it wasn’t a good time! When he rang again later it was just seconds after Alfie was born and had been placed on my chest.

“It was a real shame he wasn’t here for the birth. I’d hoped he would be because he was supposed to go to Afghanistan last October and it was delayed. Sadly it wasn’t to be, but he did get to hear the baby.”

Alfie and Jenny are now back home in Ellesmere Port and awaiting Danny’s return.

However, next week he will begin a six-week operation in an unknown location and she will not be able to speak to him during that time.

She added: “It’s very tough but I don’t care how long he is gone as long as he comes home safe to me. I just want him back here in one piece.

“Hopefully we will get him back in May and we can marry in June. When he called to ask me last Friday I said, ‘Of course’. I can’t wait to have him back here with us so we can be a family.”

Danny arrived in Afghanistan as part of the extra wave of British troops.

He said: “Although we have had some pretty hairy moments it is not all about fighting. Our job is also to patrol out into the villages and talk to the Afghans.”

Jenny added: “I know it’s dangerous but he loves it out there and is enjoying the experience. It’s going to be hard not speaking to him for six weeks when he’s out there in the middle of nowhere but I’m sure he will be ok.”