Donation in memory of two precious sisters

Mum to be Sarah Hallard’s excitement at discovering she was expecting triplets turned to worry when she was told two of the babies had a rare, life-threatening condition.

She had been referred to The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust’s Maternity Unit for her care – which she describes as “amazing” – and discovered in February this year two of her baby girls had Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS).

TTTS affects 10-15 per cent of multiple pregnancies and occurs when the vessels in the placenta are not evenly dispensed and there is an imbalance of blood exchange between the babies.

Sarah, aged 33, and her partner Kyle, aged 31, were told laser surgery would be too risky as the girls’ brother’s placenta was too close to them. The aim was to wait until the girls reached 28 weeks and had a greater chance of survival, but Sarah’s waters broke on 18 March and all three triplets were born.

Sadly, the little girls passed away but their brother survived.

Sarah said, “Billie was alive for ten precious minutes and Minnie survived just over 24 hours.

“Again, the hospital was amazing and did everything it could with the girls and supporting us.”

She added: “TTTS must have taken more of a toll than we knew – honestly, it has broken our hearts, but we have to keep going.

“As a family we wanted to do something in the girls’ names and help any other families in the same situation.

“If telling our story helps just one family, we know that Billie and Minne have made a difference. The Neonatal Unit and Bereavement Team supported us throughout our stay and we are so pleased to have raised £920 via our Just Giving page, including gift aid, for them to use to support other families.”

Little Freddie was in hospital for 91 days but is now at home in Wednesbury, on oxygen, doing well.

“The support we have had has been overwhelming,” Sarah added, “Freddie definitely has his little sisters watching over him, he’s a fighter for sure.”

Charlene Beardmore, Senior Sister/Family support and Bereavement Nurse, said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to support Sarah and Kyle through this difficult journey.

“The courage and strength they have shown, to not only raise awareness of baby loss but to also go above and beyond and raise money for the Bereavement Team, is inspirational.

“We rely heavily upon charitable funds to ensure our families have access to the most precious resources available.

“Minnie and Billie will not only live on in Freddie’s legacy but also live in honour of all our angel babies. From all the team at New Cross and from all the future families that will cherish your support, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Amanda Winwood, Charity Development Manager, said, “In loving memory of their twin girls Billie and Minnie, this family’s generosity and strength have created a lasting legacy. We are deeply grateful for their support for others facing TTTS.”

Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS)

What is TTTS?

TTTS is a rare but life-threatening condition that affects 10-15% of multiple pregnancies. It occurs in pregnancies where babies are sharing the same placenta. It can occur at any time but is likely in the early stages of pregnancy before 26 weeks and that is why it is important to scan twins every two weeks from 16 weeks. It occurs when the vessels in the placenta are not evenly dispensed and there is an imbalance of blood exchange between the babies.

The donor twin gives away more blood than it receives causing organ failure and other complications. The recipient twin receives too much blood causing heart and other cardiac problems as well as other issues. If untreated it can lead to death, severe injuries / brain damage, developmental complications and cerebral palsy.

Symptoms of TTTS:

Shortness of breath

• Rapid increase in abdominal size
• Sudden weight gain
• Increased abdominal / pelvic pressure and pain
• Cramping and contractions