23 October 2023 , 09:20
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Fellow athletes and celebrity friends have rallied around Rebecca Adlington after the heartbreaking announcement of the stillbirth of her baby daughter.
The Olympian and TV star this weekend revealed the devastating news after her 20-week scan found no heartbeat coming from her baby. She made the statement on Instagram, thanking medical staff for their work as the 34-year-old was comforted by her followers. Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and Adam Peaty have sent messages of support to Rebecca as the double Olympic gold medallist swimmer said her family were “truly heartbroken” after learning the news when she went for a routine pregnancy scan last week.
They were hoping to add to their family with a third child (Instagram / @beckadlington)The former Celebrity MasterChef and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! contestant has one son, Albie, with her husband, who she married two years ago. Her daughter Summer was born during her marriage to ex Harry Needs.
In a post to Instagram on Sunday, she praised the Wythenshawe Hospital staff for their care and her husband Andrew Parsons for his “selfless support, love and help”. She wrote: “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.” The former swimmer 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.
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“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.” The star had announced her pregnancy on October 1.
Friends and famous faces were among those sending their condolences including former track athlete Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill who wrote: “Oh Becky I’m sending you and your family so much love. I’m so sorry xxxx.” Olympic swimming champion and Strictly star Adam Peaty said: “I’m so sorry to hear this, my prayers are with you all”.
Former Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford added: “Sending love to you. So sorry to read this Becky xx.” Fellow pundit Gabby Logan wrote, “Sending you and all the family love, so sorry for what you are going through x”, and news and sports presenter Dan Walker said: “Becky, I know no words will ease the pain… my entire heart is with you all.”
While TV presenter Angelica Bell added: ”Sending you so much love. So so sorry xx”. And Love Island star Antigoni wrote: ”Sending you so much love so sorry for your loss”.
She previously revealed a miscarriage in August 2022 which was discovered during her 12-week scan and required emergency surgery. Rebecca wrote on Instagram at the time: “It’s such a devastating time but important in times like these we remember we aren’t alone and have so much support.”
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