Notts couple expecting identical triplets after meeting during lockdown

Megan Smyth, aged 31 and from Kirkby-in-Ashfield, met Clayton Whittaker, 41, on dating app Bumble in late May 2020 - during the first coronavirus lockdown.

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After bonding over their love of dogs, Megan, who works as an NHS project coordinator and excavation driver Clayton decided to meet up just one week after their first message.

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The pair were instantly smitten and clicked after taking a socially distanced walk around Clayton's hometown in Moorhouse, Nottinghamshire.

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The couple then took the plunge and started living together in Megan's house as their romance blossomed.

Megan and Clayton said they haven't spent a day apart since the day they first met.

“I was widowed in 2013 and hadn't really done much dating at all until this year. I broke up with a boyfriend in January and met another one in March that didn't last very long,” said Megan.

“With Clayton, it was just very different. We are pretty much the same person in that we view things in the same way.”

But nothing prepared them for the news of her pregnancy, three months after they moved in together.

Although Megan expected it would be twins as they run in the family, she was told that a third baby could be seen in her womb.

“Clayton just turned as a white as a ghost and put his head in his hands,” said Megan.

Clayton said: “That was the first initial shock that made me a bit clammy and white, thinking it's really nice but also I'll be living my life in the digger earning money to care for two babies!

“Then we saw this other blob and the nurse said there's three. I needed a chair immediately, I just kept saying 'oh my God', I just couldn't believe it.

“I was thinking poor Megan, she's got to carry these three babies in her first pregnancy.”

The pair are preparing to welcome their identical triplets, which are due in April 2020, with the support of excited family and friends.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.