Leap year birthday gallery: Wirral residents born on February 29

2024 is a leap year and there will be 366 days instead of 365 days this year allowing the Gregorian calendar to get back in sync with the seasons as the earth orbits the sun.

What happens when you’re born on February 29?

No doubt, it’s a unique day to be born but when do you celebrate your birthday in non-leap years?

Do you have cake and cards and a party on February 28 each year or wait until March 1?

These Wirral residents were all born on February 29 and have had different experiences of such a special birth date over the years.

Each of them was born in a leap year on the extra day in February meaning they can only celebrate their real birthday once every four years.

Does that mean they age at a quarter of the rate as the rest of us?

What’s it like being born on February 29?

Happy birthday to all the leaplings born on February 29!

Luna Killcross turns four today

Luna Killcross will be just one in leap years but she’s actually a big four years old.

Luna, who lives in New Ferry, was born on February 29, 2020 and has just been diagnosed with learning difficulties and autism.

Mum Lauren Nicholas said: “Luna is the most beautiful little girl with a very special birthday.

“We usually celebrate her birthday on February 28 and will do this until Luna is old enough to decide for herself when she wants to celebrate.

“Keeping it in the same month is less confusing for her.

“She will be having a big birthday party on Thursday and while it’s fallen on a week day, we felt it was important to celebrate Luna’s actual birthday this time as the next time she will be able to celebrate on the actual day will be her eighth birthday.

“We’ve invited friends and family and some of Luna’s friends from Rose Tree Day Nursery in Rock Ferry.

“We’re all so excited to be celebrating her being four.

“I think it’s really nice having such a special birthday because she is such a special and unique little girl.”

Lauren was given February 22, 2020 as her due date and was in a lot of pain by the end of February.

Lauren said: “I remember crying to the midwives and asked them to book me in for an induction.

“Myself and my partner bought our first house together and picked up the keys on February 28 and I went into labour the same day.

“After a very long labour, Luna came into the world at 10:17 on February 29 – it was such a special moment.

“We always get asked when we celebrate and I think legally it should be March 1 as technically March 1 is the 60th day of the year – February 29 is the 60th day in a leap year.”

Barbara Tam with husband Paul and daughter Tilly Wi

Barbara Tam lives in Port Sunlight and will be 44 this year – but just 11 in leap years.

This is the same age as her daughter, Tilly, who also turns 11 later this year!

In 2020, Barbara celebrated the big 4-0 with 10th birthday banners and ten candles on the cake on February 29 that year.

Barbara said: “I normally celebrate my birthday on February 28 but this year, as it’s February 29 I will be having lots of cake at work!

“I get really annoyed if people wish me a happy birthday on March 1 – it has to be on the actual day!

“I grew up in France and when I went to school on the first day, I remember trying to show off to my new classmates that I had an extraordinary birthday.

“But the girl sitting next to me said ‘Oh yes, my birthday is February 29 too and so is that girl over there!’.

“So, happy birthday to my old school friends Audrey and Sophie in France!”

Ralph Weedon usually celebrates on February 28

Ralph Weedon is a big four today but just one in leap years.

Ralph, who lives in Bromborough, usually celebrates his birthday on February 28 each year so that he can celebrate his special day in the same month.

Mum Tasha said: “Ralph was due on February 29 but I never expected him to be born on that day as his sister was two weeks late.

“It’s such a unique and quirky birthday and a great fun fact for Ralph to share with people.

“He had a great birthday party last weekend with all his school friends and we will be celebrating with a little tea party for our family on Thursday.

“He’s a bit young to fully understand his unique birthday but by his next official birthday – when he will be two in leap years – I’m sure he will understand and enjoy the extra fuss!”

Roisin is the big 4-0 today - just 10 in leap years! (Image: supplied)

Roisin Morgan, from Wallasey, is also celebrating the big 4-0 today as she was born in 1984 - just 10 in leap years.

The mum-of-two went to St Peter and Paul's Primary School and then St Mary's College.

Roisin said: “When I was younger, my mum used to ask which day I would prefer to celebrate so it would change each year as I'd pick the better day of the week!

“This year my partner is taking me to Dublin. 

“I have always liked having my birthday on February 29 as it just makes it unique and even more special when it’s a real birthday!”