A YOUNG Bexhill couple who endured the devastating loss of their unborn twins have launched a heartfelt fundraiser to support the hospital team who cared for them during their darkest days.
Fin Hendley and his partner Millie Piper, both aged 21, say their lives changed forever just two weeks ago when Millie, who was 22 weeks pregnant, was rushed to hospital after experiencing complications.
Following examination, the couple were told that Millie’s waters had broken and she had begun to go into labour. Due to the early stage of the pregnancy, doctors explained that there were no facilities available locally to intervene, and that babies born at 22 weeks have extremely limited chances of survival.
Despite holding on as long as she could, hoping to delay labour, Millie gave birth to twins Lily-Rose and Leo in the early hours of Monday morning. The babies were born peacefully sleeping.
Fin said: “Only hours before, we were watching them kick and listening to their strong heartbeats. It’s something no parent should ever have to go through.”
Tragically, the ordeal did not end there. Millie developed a severe infection, which led to sepsis, forcing doctors to induce labour urgently for her safety. During the birth, she suffered significant blood loss and was taken into emergency surgery.
He added: “Millie showed incredible strength. She nearly lost her own life, and I couldn’t be prouder of her.”
The couple have spoken of their deep gratitude to staff on the Buchanan Delivery Ward at the Conquest Hospital, praising midwives, nurses and doctors for their compassion and care throughout the traumatic experience.
“They were amazing from the moment we arrived and throughout the six days we stayed. They cared for our babies with such dignity and supported our whole family”, Fin added.
In a bid to give something back, Fin and Millie have set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the ward, with hopes of helping improve facilities and support for families facing similar situations.
They are also organising a large community raffle through their family-run café, Hughies at Earls, with prizes donated by local businesses. All funds raised will go towards supporting the hospital ward.
The couple say they hope their efforts will not only honour the memory of Lily-Rose and Leo, but also help other families in the future.
The couple concluded: “Lily-Rose and Leo will always be in our hearts. We’ve been overwhelmed by the love and support from everyone, and this is our way of giving something back and hopefully making a difference.”
Anyone wishing to support the fundraiser can do so via the couple’s GoFundMe page, while further details about the upcoming raffle are expected to be announced soon.
