Show of support for fundraiser delights family of tragic twins

CHARITY: Event at Tutties Neuk to raise awareness of condition raised more than £2,000

The family of twins who died from a rare condition have thanked an Angus community for its “immense support” in turning tragedy to triumph.

Craig Fyfe from Arbroath and his wife Melanie were told that one of their sons had passed away, before the other also died in the womb as their mum fought for her life in February.

The boys died of complications from twin to twin transfusion syndrome or TTTS, a condition that can affect identical twins.

But a “wee” fundraiser in Arbroath, designed to raise funds for a charity and raise awareness of the condition, has exceeded the family’s hopes in “breathtaking” style.

Craig’s mum, Elspeth, said: “My original target was £250 to £300, but after the incredible support we’ve been shown by the people of Arbroath the total is sitting at more than £2,100.

“My sons Craig and Scott are also going fundraising, tackling a 10k in London.”

We needed to do something, to throw ourselves into something and give ourselves a break from the pain that we’ve had through all this. CRAIG FYFE

TTTS occurs in identical twins sharing a placenta.

An imbalance occurs that means one twin receives too much blood, while the other receives too little.

Melanie had laser surgery at University College Hospital in London, and although doctors were happy with her follow-up progress, tragedy struck when she was hit by infection and the couple received the heart-breaking news that one of the boys had died.

Craig, 37, who now lives in Stevenage with Melanie and their three-year-old son William, said: “We needed to do something, to throw ourselves into something and give ourselves a break from the pain that we’ve had through all this.”

Raffle prizes at Tutties Neuk included a signed Paul Gascoigne shirt, a signed and framed Arbroath FC shirt, a two-night stay at Quayside Marina, and various other prizes and vouchers.

Mrs Fyfe thanked organiser Ainsley Swankie and Carol Shand, who gave free use of her pub for the raffle.

“We can’t believe how much the community of Arbroath has come together,” she added.

“So many people came down that went to school with my boys, or are old friends we haven’t seen in years.”

Visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/FyfeTwins to find out more about Melanie’s and Craig’s fundraising.

All the money raised will go to Tamba’s TTTS Registry.

Picture: Wallace Ferrier. From left: Tutties Neuk landlady Carol Shand, Ainsley Swankie, Elspeth Fyfe and Craig Fyfe with the signed Paul Gascoigne shirt.