A TWIN dad is raising money for national charity Tamba to help fund research into the devastating condition, TTTS (Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome).

Paramedic Ben Rean will be cycling in the 100-mile Ride-London in August. Mr Rean, from Evesham wanted to support Tamba (Twins and Multiple Births Association) after his identical twin girls Isla and Jemima had a tough start in life arriving 11 weeks early because of TTTS. “I want to do something to help so we can understand more about TTTS and reduce the heartache that so many twin families go through,” said Mr Rean.

Mrs Rean found out she had TTTS at a scan when she was 17 weeks and 5 days pregnant – and it was serious. Already suffering from acute hyperemesis gravidarum and in their local hospital on a drip, she was transferred to Birmingham Women’s Hospital under the care of twin expert Professor Mark Kilby. “He told us there was a 60% chance of losing them both and an 80% chance that only one of the girls would survive. We were devastated,” said Mr Rean.

Laser ablation was carried out and the girls survived. They then endured an agonising 72 hour wait for the next crucial scan, which fortunately showed two heartbeats. Despite further complications and Mrs Rean going into labour early, the girls are now doing well.

To support Ben visit justgiving.com/fundraising/benrean For more details about Tamba's work, please visit tamba.org.uk