In 2010, April Webster and Nathan Fishbourne made headlines as the youngest parents in the UK, a title that followed them for years to come.
They were just 13 when April became pregnant, and by the time their son, Jamie, was born, they had both turned 14. Their story sparked debates and media frenzy, drawing reactions ranging from shock to sympathy. But once the public’s attention shifted elsewhere, what became of the family that once captured so much curiosity?
Keeping the Pregnancy a Secret
Becoming a parent is a major life milestone, and for 14-year-olds April Webster and Nathan Fishbourne, that experience was no different—except for the fact that they were among the youngest parents in the country.
Their journey began when they met as classmates at St Cenydd School in Caerphilly, South Wales. But their young romance took an unexpected turn when April became pregnant at just 13. She discovered the pregnancy just one day before her 14th birthday but had not confided in her parents about her relationship with Nathan, feeling “too embarrassed” to do so.
April and Nathan admitted they had not used contraception, as Nathan had tried it once but didn’t like it. His parents, Julie and Ron, a retired truck driver, were initially furious upon learning the news.
”I had a real go at him and told him he had been stupid. But we can’t undo what has happened and will now accept Jamie into our family. There’s no way we’ll turn our backs on him,” Ron said at the time.
Despite the initial shock, both sets of grandparents ultimately decided to support the young couple. April’s mother, Maria, who was 36 at the time, explained, ”It was a big shock at first, but we let April make the decision on whether to go through with it.”
Jamie’s Birth and Early Challenges
Jamie was born in November 2010 via an emergency cesarean section, weighing 8 lbs 14 oz. His early days were not without challenges—he was born with a malformed esophagus that made feeding difficult. Fortunately, doctors performed surgery, and after an 11-day hospital stay, he was healthy enough to go home.
By the time the British media caught wind of the story, Jamie was already four weeks old. He was living with his mother at her parents’ home, sharing a room with her 17-year-old sister, Robyn, who helped care for him. Meanwhile, Nathan lived a few miles away with his own family.
Uncertainty in the Relationship
Despite the unconventional circumstances, April was determined to be the best mother she could be.
”Jamie wasn’t planned, but I’m going to be a great mum for him. He’s perfect and I’m going to give him everything he ever wants,” she said.
At the time, there was still uncertainty about how they would co-parent. Nathan suggested a schedule where he would have Jamie on weekends, while April would have him during the week. However, there was confusion surrounding the status of their relationship. April admitted they were going through a “cooling-off period” and wasn’t sure if they would stay together.
Where Are They Now?
Four years later, April revealed that she and Nathan had gone their separate ways.
“I broke up with Nathan about three years ago; we’re not really in contact,” she shared in 2014. “I don’t really want to be in contact with him. When I first had Jamie, I hoped we might stay together. There are no regrets, though.”
April had initially planned to continue her education, but she never took her GCSEs.
“I’m not in school or working, I’m just looking after Jamie and everything is going amazingly with him,” she said.
Thankfully, she had the support of her family.
“My mom and sister love having Jamie in the house. He’s fun. He goes to school in the mornings, which gives me time to chill out. I might go to college and take some exams when Jamie is older. I’m not planning on having another baby soon, though.”
Looking at April’s social media today, it’s clear how much her life has blossomed. She is now a proud mother of three, raising Jamie Rhys, Rowan David, and Ava Lianne. At 28 years old, now known as April Lianna, she is in a happy relationship with her partner, Jake Jones.
As for Nathan, he has also moved on and built a new life for himself. In February 2023, he got engaged to his partner, Samantha, and has several children of his own.
A Story of Growth and Strength
Teen pregnancy comes with challenges, from societal judgment to the difficulties of raising a child at a young age. But despite their struggles, both April and Nathan have built fulfilling lives. It’s heartwarming to see them both present in Jamie’s life as he grows into a young man.
Their journey serves as a reminder that, while the road may be tough, with support and determination, it is possible to overcome adversity and find happiness.
