MP opens up about grief after the death of his new-born twins

Guy Opperman and his wife, Flora, have announced the loss of their twin boys, Teddy and Rafe. Teddy passed away peacefully soon after birth and Rafe died in hospital the following day.

July 1 2020

A UK Government minister has spoken out about his experience of losing his new-born twin boys, and thanked the NHS for trying to save them.

In a Twitter thread, Guy Opperman shared the news that his twin boys Teddy and Rafe died last week in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The MP for Hexham, Tynedale and Ponteland spoke openly about his grief, explaining that his boys would "always be with us". 

He said: "Sadly, just over a week ago we lost our twin boys. Teddy came and went from this world quickly and quietly. He passed peacefully. Our younger twin, Rafe, was not born until Tuesday 23, but died later that day in neonatal ICU.

"Baby loss, and coping with grief, is very hard. Nothing we could do. Just a horrible tragedy. We emerged from hospital a week ago shell shocked."

He added: "We are grateful to the NHS doctors + nurses who tried to save our boys."

Rafe and Teddy’s mum, Flora, revealed that the twins died after she experienced a pregnancy complication called PPROM. This term is used to describe a pregnant woman’s waters breaking early. Expectant mums who are carrying twins are more likely to develop this condition.  

“Tommy’s are very sad to hear of Guy and Flora’s tragic loss and send our deepest sympathies. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time. We believe that research into baby loss is vital so that parents do not have to endure such pain. We fund pioneering research into PPROM and other pregnancy complications, and are committed to saving babies’ lives.

If you have experienced baby loss, please don’t be afraid to reach out and get the support you need.”

Sophie, Tommy’s Midwife

Click here for more information about PPROM