As we approach another milestone of two years since having our boys - one growing, cheeky, loving little man called Theo, and one perfect little sleeping angel called Arlo - we have an opportunity to reflect on the year that has come and gone and how we want to go forth in the world this year.

For those who are not familiar with our story, Henry and I fell pregnant with identical twins in September 2022, just a few months after our wedding. We were absolutely over the moon. However to our shock, horror and heartbreak, Arlo was diagnosed with an incurable condition that was not compatible with life, and on the same day of his brother Theo’s birth at 34 weeks gestation, we had to say goodbye to our beautiful Arlo.

Nothing could have ever prepared us for the emotional devastation and upheaval that came our way. Much of the last year has been spent in the wreckage and aftershock whilst trying our very best to give our beautiful Theo the most loving and happy home. We have faced emotional adversity I never could have imagined and while it is very much a work in progress, we are incredibly proud of how far we have come. That is of course not without the support of our loving family and friends and some brilliant healthcare professionals and charities.

One such charity is Footprints Baby Loss, which provides vital support to parents and families who experience the death of one or more of their twins or triplets before, during or after birth. Their support is provided by those who have had first hand experience of twin or triplet loss through a kind, caring and inclusive service. We have personally benefited greatly from Footprints’ services and believe their work is invaluable to parents going through these unimaginable types of losses.

This year on April 21st, we will complete a 34km walk around the bottom half of the Isle of Wight, which represents the 34 weeks we had with our precious Arlo. We will be raising funds for Footprints to help them continue supporting families like us who need all of the support they can get.

Whilst we would give anything to have our darling boy here with us, we hope that we can make him proud and honour his legacy through our fundraising. Many thanks to all of those who have supported us in our journey and for any contribution to this important cause.

“Not all twins walk side by side, sometimes one has wings to fly”