On the 27^th March 2020, just after the country went into lockdown, Sam gave birth to her twins Lyall and Bryn at 32 weeks pregnant.

Sam had woken up with acute shoulder pain and began to feel extremely faint, so headed to St James’s Hospital with her partner Finn to be monitored.

The first-time mum was shocked to find out that she had developed a rare type of preeclampsia called HELLP syndrome overnight which had caused her liver to haemorrhage.

Lyall and Bryn were born by emergency c-section at 11.10am and had kept Sam alive by applying pressure on her liver, preventing her from losing blood. Due to complications of HELLP syndrome, Bryn was without oxygen for 20 minutes but was resuscitated by the amazing neonatal team.

Sam was rushed into theatres and placed into a coma on the Intensive Care Unit to recover from the damage to her liver, while Bryn and Lyall were on the Neonatal Unit.

It wasn’t until two days later that Sam got to meet her boys for the first time, “I’m so grateful that the staff brought Lyall and Bryn down from the Neonatal Unit so that I could meet them for the first time. However, it was bittersweet as Bryn’s condition had deteriorated and we knew this was going to be goodbye; he passed away in my arms peacefully.”

Sam knew she wanted to do something to thank the incredible staff for the compassion and care they showed not only to Bryn and Lyall, but to their whole family. So, she decided to set up a fundraising page for Leeds Hospitals Charity and was overwhelmed by the support she received from family and friends, helping to raise over £6,000.

Sam says, “All of the staff were absolutely amazing, despite the pandemic. Their kindness was above and beyond the call of duty. I hope that the money we have raised will help other families going through this experience. It’s such a positive way to remember our little boy, Bryn had so much fight in him and showed so much love and courage in the short time he was with us.”