Local couple from Bexhill have raised an incredible £7,225 for the Conquest Hospital Maternity Bereavement Team in memory of their twin babies, Lily-Rose and Leo Alexander.
Photo: Fin Hendley, Millie Piper, Claire Smith, Alice Robison-Jeavons and Xanthe Hayes
Millie Piper and Fin Hendley organised a series of fundraising events following the loss of their twins earlier this year, with all proceeds going towards supporting the maternity bereavement service at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.
Millie’s pregnancy had been progressing smoothly, and she and Fin were looking forward to welcoming their babies into the world in early July 2026. Tragically, on 14 March, at 21 weeks and five days pregnant, Millie’s waters broke. Lily-Rose was born at 3.55am on 16 March, followed shortly afterwards by Leo Alexander at 4.24am.
During and after the birth, Millie and Fin stayed in the dedicated bereavement suite on the Labour Ward, where they were able to spend precious time together as a family with their babies, alongside members of their extended families. Designed to provide a comfortable “home from home” environment, the suite offers privacy and support for families experiencing baby loss. The room was made possible through fundraising efforts by the local Sands group.
Following their discharge from hospital, Millie and Fin were determined to give something back to the service that had supported them through such a difficult time.
The couple decided to raise money in Lily-Rose and Leo Alexander’s memory to help ensure bereavement services and support remain available for other families experiencing the heartbreak of baby loss.
Millie and Fin would also like to thank their named community midwife, Jo Docherty from the Lighthouse Team, for the compassionate care and support she provided throughout both the pregnancy and postnatal period.
On behalf of the entire Maternity Department, the team would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to Millie and Fin for their generosity and selflessness.
Jane Bedford-Clark, Lead Bereavement Specialist Midwife said: “We are incredibly grateful to Millie and Fin for choosing to support our bereavement service in memory of Lily-Rose and Leo Alexander. Their fundraising will help us continue to provide compassionate care and support to families at the most difficult time of their lives.
“Honouring their beautiful babies in this way is a touching tribute, and we thank them for their kindness, courage and commitment to helping others.”