22 October 2023 , 20:09
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Rebecca Adlington has emotionally announced the stillbirth of her baby daughter.
The Olympian and TV star revealed the devastating news after her 20-week scan found no heartbeat coming from her baby. She penned the heartbreaking announcement on Instagram, thanking medical staff for their work.
"I don't really have the words right now but unfortunately we went for our 20 week scan this week and they found 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 her and remember her always."
Rebecca announced the news on Sunday (Instagram / @beckadlington)
Her 20-week scan found no heartbeat (Getty Images)After praising the staff at Wythenshawe, Rebecca continued: "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. I don't have the strength to tell this news individually."
"We are so truly heartbroken. Our beautiful girl. Rest in peace," she added. Fans and friends were quick to comfort the star after the heartbreaking revelation on Sunday night. Fellow sportswoman Jessica Ennis Hill wrote: "Oh Becky I’m sending you and your family so much love. I’m so sorry xxxx." Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty said: "I’m so sorry to hear this, my prayers are with you all." Max Whitlock added: "So sorry to hear this Becky. Hope you and your family are all ok."
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TV presenter Angellica Bell replied, commenting: "Sending you so much love. So so sorry xx". While Helen Skelton shared two heartbroken emojis. TV presenter Dan Walker wrote: "So sorry Becky. It must feel impossible at the moment. Sending you love." Myleen Klass added: "I’m so sorry. Thinking of you, your family and Harper x." As singer Sophie Ellis Bextor wrote: "I’m so sorry. Xxx." It was last year that Rebecca suffered a heartbreaking miscarriage and had to undergo emergency surgery.
In August earlier this year, one year on from suffering the agonising loss of what would have been her third child, Rebecca admitted immeasurable heartbreak made her reluctant to try for another baby. She shared the devastating news in August 2022 that she and Andy had suffered a miscarriage at 12 weeks.
Rebecca was later kept in hospital to battle sepsis, a kidney infection and a high fever. She believed the odds of conceiving again were against her, following an ongoing struggle with polycystic ovary syndrome. "It’s not easy to get pregnant," Rebecca said previously. "I just don’t want to put loads of pressure on it or have any expectations.
"Especially when people start asking every single month, ‘Are you pregnant?’ I don’t want to deal with that while working full-time and having two kids. If it happens, it happens. If not, it’s not meant to be." Rebecca shared the news of her miscarriage with her followers on Instagram at the time, describing their loss as a 'devastating time' for her family.
"Because I’d had two children without any problems, a miscarriage never crossed my mind," she said. "I realise this might sound naïve, but I expected some signs. However, it was only once we had the 12-week scan that the poor lady had to say, 'There isn’t a heartbeat'. It was just sheer emotion from that point onwards."
If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Sands (stillbirth and neonatal death charity). You can call them on 0808 164 3332 or email helpline@sands.org.uk