With the birth of baby girl Sophia Hall eight days ago an Ipswich family can now celebrate five generations of the Aalders family. Pictured Sophia with parents Kielen Aalders-Dunthorne and Mel Hall, Kielen's mother Donna Aalders-Dunthorne, her mother Margaret Aalders and her mother 96 year old Dolly Wingate

BABY Sophia Hall is certain to be the centre of attention at family parties – especially when all five generations get together.

To send a link to this page to a friend, simply enter their email address below.

The message will include the name and email address you gave us when you signed up.

Email address

  Send link

To send a link to this page to a friend, you must be logged in.

The family spans from great-great grandmother Dolly Wingate, 96, of Woodbridge Road East, Ipswich, to Sophia, who was born on January 20.

Donna Aalders-Dunthorne, 44, Dolly’s granddaughter, said it was a very special moment when her nan got to meet her first great-great grandchild.

She said: “It’s fantastic for my nan because of her age. Watching her with all her family around her is lovely to see, especially with all these generations.

“She has been through so many milestones in life with her late husband serving in Dunkirk, France, and this is just another one to add to the collection. I’m thrilled with it so I can’t imagine how she must feel.”

Mum-of-two Mrs Aaalders-Dunthorne, who lives in Fressingfield with husband Andrew and younger son Marc, 16, credits her nan with holding the family together when her dad, Fran, died from motor neurone disease in 2004.

“When dad died she was the one who pulled us all together,” she said. “She got us to carry on with life and provides the structure for the family.

“She provided so much support for mum and since nan became frail, mum has been looking after her. It’s role-reversal really.”

Sophia, weighing 7lb 2oz, was born at Ipswich Hospital to parents Kielen Aalders-Dunthorne and Mel Hall, who also live in Fressingfield.

Sophia’s great-grandmother Margaret Aalders, 66, who lives with her mum Dolly in Woodbridge Road East, said she is thrilled with the baby’s arrival.

She added: “Both my husband, Fran, and my dad, Charles, would have been thrilled with Sophia’s birth because we are such a close family.

“They would have been over the moon and loved being surrounded by their children, grandchildren and great-grandchild. Mum absolutely loves having the family around her on special occasions.”

Mrs Aalders, who has two daughters, Donna and Sharon Glencastle, and son Adrian Taylor, said: “I’m now eagerly awaiting the birth of another grandchild, from Sharon’s side of the family, in August so I can’t wait to meet him or her.”

n Are you a member of a five generation family? Call newsdesk on 01473 324790 or e-mail starnews@
archant.co.uk