West Midlands mum gives birth to baby boy in a KFC car park and nicknames him 'Colonel Cody'

From the Newshound archive · first published 21 September 2026 · last updated 22 September 2026.

Katie Murphy, 33, was in her partner Stephen Kirby's car when the urge to push struck, prompting the couple to pull into a KFC off the A38 in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. Cody arrived there at 9.35pm on August 29, with Kirby, 32, delivering his son himself before paramedics reached the scene. The pair have since nicknamed the boy 'Colonel Cody' in honour of KFC founder Colonel Harland Sanders. The newborn was healthy, weighing 7lbs 8oz, and the midwifery staff were so delighted they celebrated with a KFC that evening.

The couple had attended hospital earlier that day but were sent home, only for the birth to unfold unexpectedly at the roadside.

KFC said it was 'honoured' to have hosted the birth and presented the family with merchandise and vouchers.

Murphy says 'Colonel Cody' will stick for life — and the plan is to take him to KFC for his first birthday and first job.