Surprise lockdown Corby birthday celebration for mum-to-be 'couldn't have been more special'

Kelli Toseland was meant to be spending her special day on holiday in a secret location but Covid-19 put pay to her plans
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A Corby woman, who was going to be whisked away to an exotic location for her big birthday, has instead been treated to a special surprise celebration.

Kelli Toseland, a senior residential care worker, had been looking forward to jetting off to a mystery resort chosen by partner Lee Hetherington for her 30th birthday.

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Due to the coronavirus lockdown, the couple had to postpone the trip but as a surprise Lee and Kelli's mum had arranged for special well-wishers to come to their street last night (April 28).

Kelli Toseland was supposed to jetting off to celebrate her 30th birthdayKelli Toseland was supposed to jetting off to celebrate her 30th birthday
Kelli Toseland was supposed to jetting off to celebrate her 30th birthday

Kelli said: "I was confused why Lee kept telling me to put on my shoes and coat and to get an umbrella. I thought we'll only be out for two minutes.

"He said his dad was coming by to drop off a present. I usually only put on my slippers.

"When I went outside, I heard a piper playing happy birthday and I said 'oh no, what has he done'.

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"Then I saw people I know in their cars. They kept driving past, hooting and waving. There were loads of friends - so many - and some did a second lap."

Kelli celebrating her 30th birthday at homeKelli celebrating her 30th birthday at home
Kelli celebrating her 30th birthday at home

As well as the drive past by friends in cars, Kelli was greeted by Corby Town FC's mascot Robbie the Raven and serenaded by Grampian Pipe Band bagpiper Bailey Dickson - all socially distancing.

Kelli's partner Lee, a landscaper, said: "It was amazing. I didn't know with the weather how many people would come but it was absolutely fantastic.

"The house looks like a florist's now.

"I can't say where we were going on holiday but we've put it off for a year. That was going to be her present but I did get her some perfume and a Chinese takeaway."

Kelli with partner Lee and Rudy, 1,Kelli with partner Lee and Rudy, 1,
Kelli with partner Lee and Rudy, 1,
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Kelli and Lee, who live in Rowlett Road, Corby are expecting a baby in September, a sibling for their one-year-old son Rudy.

She said: "It was lovely. I felt so special and It could not have been more special. Spending it in lockdown was certainly memorable."

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