�A Collier Row family have welcomed two new additions to their household after taking in a pregnant woman who was made homeless just before Christmas.

Luke Spicer, his mother Angela, sister Becky and brother Adam have opened their doors to the young woman and her six-week-old baby girl named Blessing.

Luke said: “The woman and her child have been an absolute blessing. I am really glad that we have had the opportunity to assist someone and it has been nothing but a positive experience.”

The woman contacted the Hope for Havering Night Shelter, a charity that was set up in November to offer people a place to sleep, after she found herself on the streets when she was kicked out of the home that she shared with her boyfriend.

The woman, who was in the late stages of her pregnancy, spent her first night at Havering Christian Fellowship Centre before Luke, who is one of the co-ordinators of the project, offered her a place at his home.

Prayed

He said: “I felt that the shelter was not the right place for her. I spoke about it with my family and I prayed about it and I felt that it was the right thing to do as a Christian.”

The woman had to be taken to Queen’s Hospital in Rom Valley Way, Romford, on New Year’s Eve during her first night at Luke’s house after her waters broke.

Blessing was born on New Year’s Day weighing in 3lb, 7oz. Mother and baby were discharged from hospital two days later where they returned to Luke’s home.

Luke said: “The whole experience has just been amazing. I am a Christian and the way we acted is what any good Christian would do.”

The shelter was set up with Havering churches and police to help to tackle the problem of homelessness.

Mother and baby are now settling into their home with Luke.

He said: “They are both part of our family now and our home is open to her and her daughter for as long as they need it.”

The woman said: “It was a very stressful time, but I am really grateful for people like Luke and the others at the shelter who have always been there for me.

“I am really happy that we have people like Luke and his family who care for us.”