North East Couple Shares Heartbreaking Story of Baby Loss

A couple from North East England, Steph Ferry and Matty Hynes, faced the unimaginable tragedy of losing two baby boys, Archie and Frankie, within just 18 months. Both infants were diagnosed with hydrops fetalis, a serious condition that drastically limits survival chances during pregnancy. The couple’s profound grief comes to light during Baby Loss Awareness Week, which runs from October 9 to 15 each year.

In an emotional tribute, Matty described Archie and Frankie as “perfect, smiling, sleeping babies.” He reflected on their brief lives, stating, “They only ever knew love and happiness.” This sentiment captures the couple’s experience, as they were able to hold their sons for only a few precious hours before saying goodbye. Matty expressed his belief that one day they would be reunited, sharing the love they could not fully give on Earth.

The couple’s journey began during a 25-week pregnancy scan for Frankie in 2024, where doctors identified a serious heart defect. Matty recalled being informed that Frankie had a condition with a survival rate of approximately one in 500,000. Tragically, she was stillborn on April 17, 2024. Despite this heartbreak, the couple was reassured by medical professionals that their next pregnancy would be healthy.

Following medical advice, they attempted to conceive again. However, during another scan at 25 weeks, they learned that Archie had also developed hydrops fetalis. “We knew there was a problem,” Matty said. “You hold onto hope for a miracle, but very cruelly he passed away a few weeks later.” Archie was born on April 15, 2025, exactly one year after Frankie’s funeral.

Further genetic testing revealed that both boys had inherited a rare genetic condition due to the couple carrying the GLDN gene. Although Matty and Steph are healthy, there is a 25% chance that any future child could inherit both genes and be at risk for Lethal Congenital Contracture Syndrome-11, which can lead to similar complications.

Matty praised Steph’s resilience throughout their ordeal, emphasizing the importance of the time they spent with their babies. “They both just looked perfect,” he recalled. The couple also acknowledged the dedicated medical team that worked tirelessly to care for Frankie and Archie, expressing gratitude for their efforts.

Statistics from the charity Tommys highlight the prevalence of baby loss in the UK, where approximately one in five pregnancies ends in miscarriage. On average, 14 babies die before, during, or shortly after birth each day. Despite the pain of their loss, Matty and Steph do not harbor resentment. They choose to honour the memories of Archie and Frankie while maintaining hope for the future.

“Literally the minute Frankie arrived, the sun just shone through the room,” Matty shared. Their story underscores the importance of awareness and support for grieving parents. For those seeking more information about Baby Loss Awareness Week, resources are available at [Baby Loss Awareness](https://babyloss-awareness.org/).