Rebecca Adlington, the former Olympic swimmer and gold medallist, has shared her grief and heartbreak after suffering a miscarriage at 20 weeks. The 34-year-old announced on Instagram that she and her husband Andy Parsons had gone for a routine scan on Tuesday, only to discover that their baby girl had no heartbeat. She gave birth to their angel, Harper, on Friday at 7pm and had some time with her.
Adlington, who has a son and a daughter from previous relationships, had revealed her pregnancy on October 1st. She wrote on Instagram: “I don’t really have the words for right now but unfortunately, we went for our 20-week scan this week and they discovered no heartbeat. I gave birth to our angel, Harper, on Friday at 7pm. We held her and had time with her. We will forever love and remember her always.”
She also thanked her husband for his “selfless support, love and help” and said she “couldn’t have survived without him”. She added: “I don’t have the strength or words right now, and don’t feel ready to share this news. However, I can’t pretend to be OK or fake a smile. I can’t have people ask me how pregnancy is or when I am due as I still look pregnant. We are so truly heartbroken. Our beautiful girl. Rest in peace.”
Celebrities and fans offer condolences and support
Many celebrities and fans commented on Adlington’s post to offer their condolences and support. Former track athletes Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and Greg Rutherford, ex-hockey player Sam Quek and presenters Angellica Bell and Helen Skelton were among those who sent their love and sympathy.
Dame Jessica wrote: “Oh Becky I’m sending you and your family so much love. I’m so sorry xxxx.” Rutherford wrote: “Sending love to you. So sorry to read this Becky xx.” Quek wrote: “I am so sorry Becky. Sending you all my love xxx.” Bell wrote: “Sending you all so much love Becky xxx.” Skelton wrote: “So sorry for your loss Becky xxx.”
Many fans also shared their own experiences of miscarriage and stillbirth and expressed their solidarity with Adlington. One fan wrote: “I’m so sorry for your loss Rebecca. I lost my son at 21 weeks in January this year. It’s the most heartbreaking thing anyone can go through. Sending you lots of love and strength xxx.” Another fan wrote: “I’m so sorry Rebecca, we lost our little boy at 20 weeks too in July last year. It’s the most devastating thing to go through but you will get through it with the love of your family around you xxx.”
Adlington had suffered a previous miscarriage last year
This is not the first time that Adlington has experienced a miscarriage. In August last year, she revealed that she had suffered a miscarriage at 12 weeks and had to undergo emergency surgery. She also developed sepsis, a kidney infection and a fever after the surgery.
She shared her ordeal on Instagram at the time, writing: “I managed to leave hospital Thursday only to be readmitted Friday. After a day of treating sepsis, a kidney infection and a fever, I’m slowly on the mend.” She also thanked the NHS staff for their care and kindness.
Adlington has one son, Albie, with Mr Parsons, who she married two years ago. A daughter, Summer, was born during her marriage to Harry Needs.
