Rebecca Adlington opens up after loss of her baby: 'She’ll always be a part of our lives'

Losing a child is never easy. Take it from the young royal couple Zara and Mike Tindall who opened up about the tragedy that was a miscarriage. It is extremely painful, both physically and mentally. More and more celebrities have been speaking out about the harrowing journey that is a miscarriage, one of which is pro swimmer Rebecca Adlington.

The bad news

Rebecca, who is a double Olympic gold medal winner, announced that she had a miscarriage in October 2023. Her husband Andy Parsons and herself were informed of this tragic loss while undergoing their routine scan at 20 weeks.

She went public with her devastating experience online, since that's where she announced her pregnancy.

The professional swimmer took to Instagram to let her friends and well-wishers know about what she was undergoing. She said the following.

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 7 pm. We held her and had time with her. We will forever love her and remember her always.

Support from the family

The Instagram family virtually rallied around the couple as they faced a tragic loss. As per BBC, the news jerked a reaction from former track athletes Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and Greg Rutherford, ex-hockey player Sam Quek, and presenters Angellica Bell and Helen Skelton. All of these athletes were quick to extend support and condolences to Rebecca and her husband.

Dame Jessica said the following.

Oh, Becky, I'm sending you and your family so much love. I'm so sorry xxxx.

While Greg Rutherford offered his support through the following words.

Sending love to you. So sorry to read this Becky xx.

Sam Quek said the following to show his support.

Becky, I know no words will ease the pain… my entire heart is with you all.

Rebecca’s tragic loss

Rebecca Adlington faced a similar tragic experience previously in 2022 when she was reported to have had a miscarriage. Rebecca has two children, a son Albie with Andy Parsons and a daughter called Summer, who she had with her ex-husband Harry Needs.

When she announced the news, she took the time to thank the staff at the Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester for their 'incredible' kindness and care, and Parsons for his 'selfless support, love, and help', as per The Independent.

She said the following about how she is handling the situation.

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 okay 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 reveals how she's been doing since the loss

Most recently, Adlington spoke to OK! about how she and the family have been doing 10 months after the loss. She said that while the family will 'never full get over what happened', Harper will still be part of their family. She added that her two-year-old son Albie says he has two sisters, Harper and Summer.

Moreover, Adlington revealed that 'her ashes are now in the house', and they still talk about her. She continued:

She’ll always be a part of our lives. I think you learn to find a way forward - to even talk about her, without bursting into tears.

She also gave similar comments to The Mirror about the heartbreaking subject in February earlier this year. The exclusive with OK! comes as she's been in the spotlight over her Olympic commentary for BBC.

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Sources:

Daily Mail: Rebecca Adlington reveals she has suffered a miscarriage: British swimming legend, 34, says 20-week scan showed daughter Harper had 'no heartbeat' in the latest tragedy to strike the family after she lost another child at 12 weeks last year

The Mirror: Stars flood Rebecca Adlington with support as she announces tragic stillbirth of tot

The Mirror: Rebecca Adlington says 'I'll never get over miscarriage' and keeps daughter's ashes in house

OK!: Rebecca Adlington's tragic tears amid heartbreaking miscarriage pain - 'We'll never get over it'