Jen and I found out we were pregnant with identical twin girls in January 2017. After 4 months they were diagnosed with twin-twin transfusion syndrome. This meant that one of the girls was getting too much blood and the other not enough. An operation to split the placenta was made at Birmingham hospital but due to complications wasn't successful. A few weeks later the problems were getting no better. On Monday 22nd May 2017, Jens waters broke. The girls were approaching 24 weeks. We attended Telford hospital to then be transferred that night to Stoke hospital to a neo natal unit. The following morning we were told the girls had developed hydrops and things were looking even less hopeful. We were transferred to Birmingham and a further attempt at the placenta operation was made the following morning. Again it was unsuccessful and that night we were taken by ambulance to Preston hospital. Jen began contractions at 0100hrs on Friday 26th May and at 1103hrs Sophie Elizabeth was stillborn. 3 minutes later, Hannah Elaine was born and began her fight. Shortly afterwards Jen became seriously ill and had to be taken to intensive care. Whilst Jen was in intensive care, and after 5 hours of fighting, Hannah died. Jen spent 36 hours in intensive care before she was transferred back to the Delivery Suite at Preston Hospital so we could begin our recovery. We spent 5 days at the delivery suite.

The room we had been put in had been soundproofed so we didn't have to listen to the cries of new born babies. The room was invaluable in our initial recovery and the staff at the unit were incredible. The room has only recently been soundproofed thanks to the 'Little Teds Room' appeal (read more here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/littletedsroom) Money raised by us will be going on to support this appeal and ensure all the delivery suites at the hospital are soundproofed.

We wish to support the work done by the appeal and by Preston Hospital. They have been amazing in support, pre, during and after birth of our girls.

To assist in raising money I will be taking part in various events, including Richmond 10k (alongside Sarah Schnellmann-Smith who is raising money for the same appeal), Cheltenham half marathon (my first half!) and Liverpool half marathon next year. I will also be looking to organise some fundraisers locally.

Initially I am aiming for £500 to support the cause but will be pushing for more so please give generously!

On behalf of Jen and I and in memory of Sophie and Hannah,

Thank you.