Could baby Eliza Bull be the world’s 7,000,000,000th person?

Vivian Bull, 35, of Norbury Cross, Norbury, gave birth to her second daughter Eliza in the early hours of October 31 and has been picked by charity Save the Children as a contender for the title of 7 billionth child.

Mrs Bull, a teacher at Rockmount Primary School, Upper Norwood, said: “People had mentioned it to me as the date drew nearer, but to be honest I was getting more comments about her being a Halloween baby. She was 11 days late so maybe she was aiming for the title.”

Calculating the exact time when the landmark number is hit is disputed but The United Nations named October 31 Seven Billion Day, aiming to draw attention to the challenges of the world's growing population.

Save The Children sent a photographer to Croydon University Hospital maternity ward and at 1.35am Eliza, who weighed 9 lbs 2 ounces, was born.

Mrs Bull was admitted to hospital with husband Herbie 44, and daughter Marley, 3, four hours earlier.

She said: “Considering her size she was quite an easy labour. I can’t quite imagine she is the 7th billion - there are probably thousands around the world who could be but who knows.

“I think the main thing is I am really grateful we live where we do when you think the 7 billionth could be born in a country where they wouldn’t have any of the opportunities open to Eliza.”

Tracey Langridge, deputy head at Rockmount said the school were delighted for Mrs Bull.

She said: “She texted us on the day to say she had her Halloween baby. The whole school is very excited and look forward to her return.”

Mary Fosbrook, Clinical Midwifery Manager at Croydon University Hospital said: “It’s always special to deliver a baby into the world, but the possibility of the seven billionth person being born here at Croydon University Hospital was extremely exciting for us.”