Parents to hold raffle to choose name of firstborn

Vissey Safavi, 31, gave birth to a daughter weighing 6 lb 2oz on March 16. She and partner Andrew Bone, 39, settled on the name Matilda for their firstborn but agreed to let members of the public come up with her middle name.

The new parents, who live in Rusholme Grove,have promised to choose one the suggestions at random for Matilda's middle name. They decided on this unique naming method to raise money for Carers' Relief, a charity which provides support and respite to carers of people with learning difficulties and special needs.

"The charity has been good to my family," said Andrew, an actor who once played Sonia Jackson's teacher in Eastenders. "My sister had special needs and was helped by the service for many years until she passed away in 2004."

The raffle to draw the winner is being held at the Railway Bell pub in Upper Norwood on Saturday, March 29.

"We've pledged to go with whatever comes out and people are putting in mad names!" said Andrew. "There will be no way of knowing if the name we choose is a crazy one or not.

"One day I'm sure Matilda will ask why she's got the middle name she has. I think some people are trying to play on her last name, Bone, others have suggested footballers' names and one entry is Ulysses.

"Our friends and family can't quite believe we're going ahead with it."

Whoever provides the winning entry will receive a copy of Matilda's birth certificate.

"It feels amazing being a dad," added Andrew. "The birth came on suddenly so on what started as a normal Sunday ended with us having another person at home."

It costs £3 to suggest one name and £5 for two names. Send cheques payable to Carers' Relief to the Railway Bell, Cawnpore Street, Upper Norwood, SE19 1PF and mark the envelope "Andy and Vissey's baby".

What do you think Matilda's middle name should be? Use our comment feature below to make suggestions.