Couple's charity walk in honour of lost twin

Cody Mellor and Dean Middleton were thrilled to find out they were expecting twins after years of fertility treatment, but their joy turned to devastation when at 33 weeks one of the babies' hearts stopped beating.

The couple, from Rotherham, had been trying for a child for five years, after Cody had suffered with polycystic ovary syndrome.

But, while on the waiting list to start IVF treatment, Cody fell pregnant in 2025.

When they were later told they were expecting identical twins, she said it was "everything we ever dreamed of".

However, on 14 January, during a routine scan the couple were told one of the babies' hearts had stopped beating, bringing their "whole world came crashing down".

"It was completely out of the blue, a real shock to the system," Cody said.

"Just one of those things where we just had no clue at the time what had happened [to Halle], why it had happened, and whether Phoebe was going to be OK."

Following the devastating news about Halle the couple were transferred to the Snowdrop Suite at Rotherham Hospital, a charity-funded suite to support families dealing with the loss of a baby.

Both Halle and her sister Phoebe were born via caesarean section on 22 January.

"It was such a bittersweet moment," Cody said.

"We were overjoyed to have Phoebe safely with us, but at the same time we were grieving the loss of our beautiful Halle."

She said to have the use of the Snowdrop Suite for a week before and after she went into labour was "an absolute lifeline".

"We are eternally grateful to the maternity team, and especially Rachel and Natalie, midwives on the ward, who went above and beyond for our family," she said.

"Whether it was coming in early to make sure they could be there for my caesarean section or helping ensure the girls could spend precious time together once Phoebe was off oxygen, their compassion meant everything to us.

"Those moments together in the Snowdrop Suite are memories that we will treasure forever."

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As a thank you for the care and support shown to them Cody and Dean plan to rasie funds for the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity through a sponsored walk.

"I think if we wouldn't have had the Snowdrop Suite, me and Dean wouldn't have been able to stay together for that week before the girls arrived," Cody said.

"It's honestly so important - you're still being monitored, you're on the labour ward, but you're kept away from obviously all the mums and the babies that are all having the happiest time of their life."

The couple, who have already raised more than £1,800 for the charity, said they would be taking part in the 5km Autumn Memory Walk around Manvers Lake on 18 October.

Rachael Dawes, Head of Charity and Engagement at Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity said: "Every person taking part in our Autumn Memory Walk has a story to tell and someone special they are remembering.

"The event creates a space for families and friends to come together, honour cherished memories and support one another."

Cody added: "Raising this money, walking in memory of [Halle] and keeping her memory alive means so much to us. I'd like to think, if looking over us, she'd be proud."

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