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.
A new dedicated Macmillan Cancer Support centre has opened at Stepping Hill hospital in Stockport
Danny Jones
In great news not only for Stockport locals but many more around the region, a brand-new cancer research support centre backed by Macmillan has opened at Stepping Hill Hospital.
Hoping to help Stopfordians, as well as those living in the High Peak region of Derbyshire and other Greater Manchester locals, the dedicated facility officially opened last week.
Operating on a walk-in-only basis, not only will there be no appointments necessary, but it will also be open five days a week.
Based at the back of the Medical and Surgical Building entrance and to the rear of Outpatients Department C at Stepping Hill, further signposting is already helping direct people to the site.
Macmillan Cancer Support Centre Manager, Joe WiechaVarious resources and reading materials are available
As well as aiming to provide a comforting space and alternative to both the hospital and/or the usual home/care settings for patients, visitors and staff alike, it is set to offer a regular programme of events and activities moving forward, including
Future plans for the centre will include a programme of events and activities, including Macmillan’s long-running and popular coffee mornings, wellbeing sessions, visits from partner organisations like Citizens Advice and more.
The NHS, Stepping Hill and the Macmillan organisation as a whole also intend to expand beyond the hospital itself in the coming years.
Delivering a minimum of six hours of support every weekday, it will no doubt offer an invaluable outlet and service to the borough and beyond.
Speaking on the opening, Joe Wiecha – the centre manager heading up the space – said in a statement: “It’s been fantastic for the centre to finally open and welcome our very first visitors. Whoever you are, and whatever your experience of cancer, you will always receive a warm welcome at our centre.”
“Whether you’re living with cancer, supporting a family member or friend, or adjusting to life beyond treatment, our team is here to listen, support you, and help you access the information, services, and guidance you need.”
Once again, Macmillan Support Centre Stepping Hill is open from 10am-4pm from Monday-Friday, and can be contacted via email or over the phone at 0161 419 4582.
Chinatown restaurant issues CCTV appeal after customer literally RUNS away without paying
Daisy Jackson
Noodle Alley, a cosy restaurant in Chinatown, has shared CCTV footage of a customer literally running away with an unpaid bill.
The noodle bar is famed for its spicy dishes, hailing from co-owner Wendy Ren’s native Sichuan province.
It’s become a firm favourite in Manchester’s Chinatown since launching in 2023 – but the team have been left stung by a customer dine-and-dash this week.
And it’s the most literal case of a dine-and-dash we’ve ever seen, with CCTV footage shared by Noodle Alley showing the moment the customer sprints out the door, with impressive speed for a man in sliders.
The video also shows the staff chasing the runaway customer, to no avail.
In a heartfelt statement shared online, Noodle Alley said that ‘every meal matters’ when small businesses like theirs are struggling with rising costs.
They also said that the CCTV has been sent to the police in the hopes of catching the man.
In their full statement, Noodle Alley wrote: “Today, someone ran away from our restaurant without paying.
“This isn’t just about the money. Small independent businesses are already struggling with rising costs, and dealing with people who deliberately run away without paying makes it even harder.
“Every meal, every member of staff, and every genuine customer matters.
“Our team reacted immediately and tried to catch him, but he disappeared within seconds.
“We have a very clear CCTV image of the individual, and all the evidence has been passed to the relevant authorities.
“To everyone who chooses to support small independent businesses like ours, thank you. Your kindness and support help keep businesses like ours going.”
Emily Sergeant -
23rd October 2023 
