Richard Branson, Virgin Group co-founder, has shared a story about a Nigerian pen pal he has had for years.
He shared the story of Virginia on her 21st birthday, March 20, 2025.
Branson narrated how Virginia was born on a Virgin Atlantic flight when her mother was travelling from Lagos to London.
Her name Virginia was inspired by the circumstances of her birth.
After her birth on the aircraft, she was gifted free flight each year for the first 21 years of her life.
Branson added that he and Virginia touch base every year, share song suggestions, and he loves hearing about her life and travels.
As he celebrated her on her 21st birthday, he referred to her as his “favourite pen pal to date”.
Richard Branson shared photos of Virginia at various times in her life and wrote: “For the past 21 years, I’ve had a wonderful pen pal. On this day, 21 years ago, Virginia became the first person to be born on a Virgin Atlantic flight.
“Her wonderful mother was travelling from Lagos to London with her 19-month-old son when Virginia decided it was time to enter the world, one month early! Thanks to a brilliant nurse, surgeon, and all the crew on-board, Virginia was safely delivered at 30,000ft somewhere above the Sahara Desert.
“We decided to gift Virginia with a free flight each year for the first 21 years of her life, and we touch base every year on her birthday.
“Sometimes we share song suggestions, and I love hearing all about her travels and life updates. Sending lots of love to you, Virginia, and to your family. My favourite pen pal to date!”
Source: Linda Ikeji Blog
