THESE two people may be from different backgrounds, but they have one rare thing in common... they both celebrate their real birthdays just once every four years.
Lisa Patterson and Luca Bays are both leap year babies, born on February 29 in 1968 and 2004 respectively.
The odds of being born ‘leapling’ is one in 1,461, and both know how special it is.
Lisa was born at the former Lexden Road Maternity Hospital and lives in Great Horkesley.
She has been married to husband Michael for nearly 34 years.
This year, despite turning 56, she will be celebrating just her 14th “real” birthday, making both her children Jack, 24, and Summer, 22, older than her.
Having worked at Tesco for 25 years, she is now a front-line ambulance worker for the NHS.
“I’m a 14-year-old driving on blue lights,” she joked.
On her birthday, she said: “It was very confusing growing up and learning about leap year birthdays.
“You try and tell people and they are confused.
“But I have been joking at work saying I turn 14 this week.
“I used to do bigger celebrations every four years but not so much now being 56, but it does always feel special.”
Similar to Lisa, Luca also celebrates his birthday on March 1 and will be turning "five" today.
Luca lives in Boxted and was born at Colchester General Hospital in 2004.
The Gazette has caught up with Luca and his family on every one of his birthdays since then.
Technically he has two older sisters - Kiera, 23, and Lola, 17, although he is really the middle child.
Luca said: “I’ve always thought it was a bit special, but it is still hard to comprehend.”
Since the last newspaper catch-up, the former Gilberd student has left Colchester Institute and joined local company HB Carpentry.
He has learned to drive and finished his apprenticeship, now working as a carpenter.
He said: “The job has been going really well and I have been really enjoying it. I couldn’t think of going into a better trade.
“The company has treated me well. Every job is new and it is all exciting for me."
Mum Emma said the leap year birthdays are always “extra special” and said this year turning 20 feels more of a milestone than next year turning 21.
They will be enjoying time with family and friends to celebrate.
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