Rebecca Adlington announces loss of baby daughter
"We will forever love and remember her always."
Content Warning: The following article addresses sensitive themes related to baby loss.
Renowned former Olympic swimmer, Rebecca Adlington, has shared the heart-wrenching news of the loss of her baby daughter at 20 weeks into her pregnancy.
The accomplished athlete, known for her appearances on ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’ and her role as a TV sports pundit, had earlier revealed in September that she and her husband, Andy Parsons, were expecting a baby.
In an Instagram post on October 22, the sports icon disclosed the painful news of her loss. She expressed that while she may not be prepared to make a public statement at this moment, she felt it was necessary to spare herself the anguish of repeatedly delivering the news individually.
“At present, words fail me, but regrettably, during our 20-week scan this week, they discovered no heartbeat,” Rebecca shared.
“I welcomed our angel, Harper, on Friday at 7pm. We cradled her and spent precious time with her. She will forever hold a place in our hearts, and we will cherish her memory eternally.”
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“We are immensely grateful to the staff at Wythenshawe. Olivia, Rachel, Emma, and Keeley, your kindness and care were nothing short of extraordinary. Andy, your selfless support, love, and assistance have been truly astonishing. I couldn’t have made it through without you.
“At this moment, I lack the strength and the right words. I’m not prepared to share this news just yet. However, I can’t pretend to be alright or force a smile.
“I can’t bear to have people inquire about the pregnancy or ask when I’m due, as I still appear pregnant. Individually conveying this news feels beyond my capacity. We are utterly shattered. Our precious girl. Rest in peace.”
Adlington is a mother to a daughter named Summer from her previous marriage to Harry Needs, a fellow swimmer. She also has a son named Albie with Parsons.
In August 2022, Adlington revealed that she had suffered a miscarriage, discovering this during a 12-week scan at the hospital.
“I cannot express enough gratitude towards the hospitals and their staff, they have been incredibly supportive,” Adlington shared at the time, extending her thanks to Parsons for being her steadfast support.
“While this is an incredibly heart-wrenching time, it’s crucial to remember that we are not alone and have an abundance of support around us.”
