Mum welcomes triplets just two years after delivering twins on NHS birthday
Ellen Campbell, has defied the odds once again after giving birth to triplets, just two years after she and her husband James welcomed a set of twins at the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald.
Little Mabel, Sadie and Lily Campbell made their early entrance into the world at 33 weeks on October 30, 2025.
The set of triplets spent two weeks receiving expert care and support in the Neonatal Unit in the Ulster Hospital and are now settling into their family home.
The remarkable arrival of the girls comes after Ellen and James Campbell celebrated the arrival of Finley and Malachy, who were born on NHS 75 Day, July 5, 2023. Both Finley and Malachy were born prematurely and they too spent time in the Neonatal Unit in the Ulster Hospital.
October 30 was an incredible day in the Ulster Hospital Maternity Unit, not only with the triplets being born, but another three sets of twins were welcomed into the world.16 babies were born in total that day, making it one of the busiest on record.
Now proud parents of five children all under the age of two, Ellen said: “After Finley and Malachy were born, we thought we would have one more child.
" I booked an early scan and we were a bit shocked when the Midwife said there was three babies not just one!
"James went very quiet in the corner. I think we were both quite shocked to learn we were having triplets. It still does not feel real.
“We are very blessed that we have two boys and three girls now. Even that in itself feels so unique to have twin boys and triplet girls. Sadie and Lily are identical twins and then little Mabel.”
Having spent time in the Neonatal Unit before, Ellen said it felt familiar but comforting to return: “The staff have been absolutely brilliant, they are just like part of our family.
"They look after our girls 24/7 and could not do more to make us feel at home here. The girls have really flourished and thrived over the past two weeks and that is all down to the staff in the Unit.”
Proud Dad James, added: “This is a new normal for us, we are a good team and we have great support from our family. We are looking forward to getting home and being together.”
Neonatal Unit Sister, Stefanie Minnis commented: “It has been lovely to have cared for Mabel, Sadie and Lily in the unit. The girls have done incredibly well and we are so proud of them and of the family.
“We all just want to put them in our own pockets and take them home, they are sweet little girls. We will miss the daily cuddles!”
Beaming with pride, Ellen added: “We are over the moon. We have nearly got a whole football team now.
"We are looking forward to being home, all seven of us together. It will be pure relief to have the girls home.
"The fact that they are going home when they should even be in the Unit for another five weeks is phenomenal. We are very excited!”