Climbing Mount Snowdon: FASTSIGNS team charity trek for Twins Trust
Written by FASTSIGNS Birmingham
In the crisp mountain air of Mount Snowdon, the FASTSIGNS Birmingham team - Tom, Sally, Ben, Meadow, and Amy - prepare to embark on a challenge that’s as personal as it is ambitious.
This remarkable team is not just climbing a mountain; they are on a mission to raise awareness and funds for Twins Trust, a charity that holds a significant place in their hearts.
The emotional journey of Tom and Sally
The journey began a year ago when Tom, the managing director of FASTSIGNS Birmingham, and Sally, the business development manager, discovered they were expecting twins.
For anyone expecting a child, a twin pregnancy might seem like double the joy.
However, for Tom and Sally, that joy was quickly overshadowed by fear and uncertainty. At the 16-week mark, they received the life-altering diagnosis that their twins had Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS).
TTTS is a rare and dangerous complication that can occur in identical twin pregnancies involving shared placentas. In such cases, one baby, known as the "donor," gives too much blood to the other, termed the "recipient," leading to severe health risks for both twins. Untreated, the prognosis for both infants is heart-wrenching, with high mortality rates.
Despite the grim diagnosis, Tom and Sally were determined to fight. Initially, it seemed surgery was not an option due to how the placenta was divided. Instead, they faced the emotional rollercoaster of daily scans, clinging to hope.
Miraculously, a small surgical opportunity arose, and they were quickly admitted for laser ablation surgery at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. The procedure was a success, and both twins began to thrive.
At 35 weeks, Sally underwent an emergency C-section, bringing Lily and Lyla into the world. These two resilient children, now a year old, are a testament to medical miracles and parental courage.
A climb for a cause
Understanding the gravity of their fortunate outcome, Tom and Sally are driven by a desire to give back.
Not every family grappling with TTTS receives a happy ending, and the FASTSIGNS team is determined to make a difference.
Their campaign to climb Mount Snowdon serves as a beacon of hope and a fundraiser for Twins Trust.
This charity is instrumental in providing support, conducting vital research, and advocating for families experiencing the complexities of multiple pregnancies.
The collective effort
The Snowdon climb is a profound gesture of gratitude and solidarity.
For Tom, Sally, and their teammates Ben, Meadow, and Amy, every step taken is symbolic of support for not just Lily and Lyla, but for countless other families navigating the uncertainties and hardships of twin and triplet pregnancies.
Their determination and unity embody the essence of community support and shared goals.
Join the cause
As the team scales the heights of Mount Snowdon, their strides represent both a personal triumph and a broader mission to effect change.
They are not only climbing for Lily and Lyla but for every parent and child touched by the challenges of TTTS.
The FASTSIGNS Birmingham team invites you to join them in this heartfelt endeavour by donating and sharing their mission.
Every contribution helps propel lifesaving research and supports families in need, ensuring more stories like Tom and Sally’s have a happy beginning and a thriving future. Climbing Mount Snowdon is more than a physical feat - it's a climb towards hope!
Help the FASTSIGNS Birmingham team make a meaningful impact. Together, let's ascend towards a brighter future for countless families.