On the 22 February 2021 Erin was rushed into emergency surgery following the sad discovery that our second baby was an ectopic pregnancy - essentially where the baby implants somewhere other than safely in the womb. Erin had to have her right fallopian tube removed following it rupturing and causing serious internal bleeding and risk to her life. Ruptured ectopic pregnancies are a leading cause of maternal deaths during the first trimester. Sadly ectopic pregnancies are always fatal for the baby.

This has been traumatic for us (and for every family who go through it) but we have really appreciated the help and support offered by the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, both by way of their easy access to information about the condition and their trained counsellors who have been just the other end of the phone for us during this time.

It has also become apparent to us that, despite being a relatively common occurrence, not enough is known about the reality and dangers of ectopic pregnancies, down to friends who didn't know it could ever happen, to the A&E doctor who sent Erin home without scanning her 24 hours before her tube painfully ruptured. The Trust of course aims to raise awareness of the condition, both for the general public and the medical profession. These services, among the suite of others the Trust offers, have directly benefitted us as a family, and have genuinely saved lives. You can learn more at: https://ectopic.org.uk/.

In gratitude for this support, as well as giving us something positive to focus on, we three (yes, William included!) have challenged ourselves to walk/run/cycle 150 miles during April (150 miles may not sound like a huge amount, but believe me, this will be a challenge considering a fair amount of it will be at William's pace!).

Please do consider making a donation.

Thank you for your support - and wish us luck!


Ectopic Pregnancy is a common condition which affects one in eighty pregnancies in the UK. It occurs when the embryo grows outside the womb and, if not treated, can be life threatening. Ectopic pregnancies are sadly always fatal for the baby.

There are at least 11,000 emergency admissions for the condition annually in England, and from anecdotal evidence, it is believed the number of cases of ectopic pregnancy may number more than 30,000 per year in the UK alone. It remains a leading cause of maternal death in the first trimester of pregnancy (Source: Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Death 2016).

Several treatments are available, depending on each woman’s individual circumstances, although the pregnancy can never be saved. The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust believes that the deaths and trauma associated with ectopic pregnancy should be prevented and seeks to both relieve the distress associated with it and provide ongoing support.

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust strives to provide information, education and support to those affected by early pregnancy complications and to the health professionals who care for them. In particular, the Trust aims to:
•    raise awareness of the condition the medical profession and general public;
•    promote Best Practice;
•    provide information about the treatment and condition;
•    provide information and support for members of the public and healthcare providers;
•    encourage research and disseminate findings.