Rebecca Adlington says she’s “truly heartbroken” as she reveals the miscarriage and stillbirth of her baby daughter at 20 weeks.
The former Olympic swimmer took to social media to share the devastating news yesterday.
The Mansfield-born 34-year-old – who competed for Team GB in both the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games, and has two Olympic gold medals to her name – is already a mother of two, sharing a daughter born in 2015 named Summer with her former husband Harry Needs, and a son born in 2021 with her current husband Andy Parsons.
Adlington and Parsons announced they were expecting their second child together in 2022, however she sadly suffered a miscarriage at 12 weeks, which required her to have to undergo emergency surgery that left her fighting sepsis.
But last night, “truly heartbroken” Adlington took to social media to share the awful news that she had suffered another miscarriage, and had given birth to their stillborn daughter – who they chose to name Harper – at 20 weeks.
She wrote on Instagram in a statement: “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.
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“We held her, and had time with her. We will forever love her and remember her always.”
Adlington took the time to thank everyone at Wythenshawe Hospital here in Manchester, particularly name-checking staff members Olivia, Rachel, Emma, and Keeley, who she said showed kindness and care throughout that was “simply incredible”.
She also thanked husband Andy for his “selfless support, love, and help”.
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“I don’t have the strength or words right now,” Adlington continued in her statement on Instagram, “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.”
Rebecca Adlington and husband Andy announced they were expecting their second child together last month / Credit: Rebecca Adlington (via Instagram)
The statement closed out with Adlington saying the family have been left “so truly heartbroken” by the news.
“Our beautiful girl. Rest in peace,” she concluded.
Since Adlington shared the news last night, the comments section of her Instagram post has been flooded with thousands of well-wishes and messages of support from both peers and famous names, as well as fans and members of the public.
Delays on M60 continue after man dies falling from bridge near Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
A man has tragically died after falling from a bridge on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.
Police closed the motorway in both directions at around 10am this morning as they responded to the concern for welfare.
The man was on Barton Bridge on the M60, but tragically fell and passed away at the scene.
The motorway was shut anti-clockwise between junction 12 for the M602 and junction 10, and on the clockwise carriageway between junction 9 and 11, with a huge diversion in place.
Although the motorway has reopened as the afternoon has worn on, disruption is ‘likely’ to continue for several hours yet.
National Highways is reporting up to two miles of congestion on the M60 around Barton Bridge.
In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).
“The M60 remains closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance. Significant delays are expected and drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
GMP later added: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.
“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”
Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd October 2023 
