Rebecca Adlington reveals miscarriage heartbreak

Ms Adlington and husband Andy Parsons had revealed at the start of October they were expecting a baby

Former professional swimmer Rebecca Adlington has announced she has had a miscarriage.

The double Olympic gold medallist said she and husband Andy Parsons were given the news during a routine scan at 20 weeks.

Adlington, from Mansfield in Nottinghamshire, shared her heartbreak with her Instagram followers on Sunday.

The 34-year-old, who has a son and a daughter, had announced her pregnancy on 1 October.

On Instagram, Adlington wrote: "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 7pm. We held her, and had time with her. We will forever love her and remember her always."

Former track athletes Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and Greg Rutherford, ex-hockey player Sam Quek and presenters Angellica Bell and Helen Skelton were among those sending her support.

Dame Jessica wrote: "Oh Becky I'm sending you and your family so much love. I'm so sorry xxxx."

Rutherford wrote: "Sending love to you. So sorry to read this Becky xx."

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The news follows a previous miscarriage revealed by Adlington in August 2022.

She has one son, Albie, with Mr Parsons, who she married two years ago.

A daughter, Summer, was born during her marriage to Harry Needs.

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