A mother has been reunited with a daughter she had not spoken to for 15 years in an amazing twist of fate.

Together again - Jan Coppin, centre, with daughters Jennie Coppin, Heather Mann, Tracey Bourne and partner Matt, Doreen Coppin and Jan's husband George. The children are Alicia Barber, Daisy Mann, Jakob Mann, Jessyca Bourne and Hannah Bourne. Picture: STEVE BRADING 41164-a

Jan Coppin, 52, and her daughter, Heather Mann, who is one of her five children, had fallen out and had no contact. Mrs Coppin did see Heather seven years ago at her son Louie's wedding, but they did not heal the rift.

Now they have been reunited after another of Mrs Coppin's daughters, Jennie, went to hospital to give birth to baby Alicia.

After the birth, Jennie was taken to the ward. Mrs Coppin said: "A woman stopped me and said 'Hello, how are you?'" but I did not recognise her.

The woman asked if the new mum was Mrs Coppin's other daughter, Tracey, but she told her it was Jennie and asked if she was a friend.

Mrs Coppin, of Brightlingsea, said: "It was then she said 'You have got a daughter called Tracey and Jennie. Well, I am your other daughter, Heather'.

"I just threw my arms around her and cried," said Mrs Coppin.

"I asked her what she was doing there and she said she had just given birth to a baby boy."

Heather, of Manningtree, invited her mum to come and see her new grandson, Jakob.

Mrs Coppin added: "Heather's contractions started on Saturday, the same as Jennie, and they were in the labour wards next to each other."

"It was truly fate. There was me thinking I was getting one grandchild and I ended up with three and my daughter back."

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Published Monday, February 14, 2005

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