A Sidcup grandmother has said she owes her life to the maternity ward at Queen Mary's Hospital, after the treasured building went up in flames last week.

The dramatic fire last Tuesday (Aug 18) drew crowds of dozens to see the demise of the building where so many local people were born.

Patricia Gregory, who had her daughter at the hospital 1972, said: "Six weeks after she was born, I had a smear test which showed up abnormal cells.

"I was tested every week for six months, and on September 26 I was given a hysterectomy.

"Without Queen Mary's I would not be here today to see my four grandchildren growing up - and hopefully see the arrival of my great grandchild next April."

Ineke Hammond, 64, from Bexleyheath, gave birth to her daughter Elaine at Queen Mary's in 1980 - and returned to meet her first grandchild, Elaine's daughter, in 2008.

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Ineke Hammon, with baby daughter Elaine

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Three generations of the Hammond family

Meanwhile, Sue Bloomfield, also from Bexleyheath, reminisced: "I had my son there on the 50th anniversary of the NHS, and everyone born that day got a special bib."

Slyvia Webb added: "I had my eldest son in February 1967 - he must have been one of the first born there."

Albion Road resident Ruby Hills had children Melissa, Adam, Ryan and Leila between 1987 and 1995.

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Ruby Hills with children Adam, Mel and baby Ryan

The 52-year-old was impressed by the hospital, especially during an emergency caesarean with her eldest daughter Melissa.

She added: "I had a really good experience every time.

"If they did not do what they did with Melissa, she could have had brain damage.

"It felt safe there, and comfortable.

"It's a shame it shut, it was a very good hospital. It's very sad."

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Queen Mary’s saw a double celebration for Erith and Thamesmead MP Teresa Pearce, who gave birth to daughter Gemma on Christmas Day in 1979.

Angela Tatham, 56, of Midhurst Hill, welcomed her five daughters at Queen Mary's between 1977 and 1988 - her five beloved grandchildren were also born there.

She said: "My memories at Queen Mary's are all great, even when I nearly lost my middle daughter.

"I had to stay in for weeks and she was finally born six-and-a-half weeks premature.

"Now she is a mum herself."

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