First-Time Mum, 36, Tragically Dies Minutes After Delivering Twins via C-Section
A first-time mother tragically passed away just 30 minutes after giving birth to twin boys via a planned C-section, prompting an internal review by the NHS hospital where the procedure took place.
Rachael Galloway, 36, had been eagerly anticipating the arrival of her sons, Noah and Abel Galloway-Whittaker, and was in the midst of planning her wedding. She delivered the twins on Thursday, August 1, at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, but complications arose, leading to her untimely death shortly after their birth.
Rachael, a business owner from Carnforth, Lancashire, had only recently gotten engaged to her fiancé, Matt Whittaker, a week before the birth. Now heartbroken, 36-year-old Matt is left caring for their newborn sons while organizing Rachael’s funeral, scheduled for September 6.
Matt shared his grief with the Manchester Evening News, saying, “She died bringing beauty into the world, bringing the boys into the world. She was the best thing that ever happened to me.” He recounted their engagement and the joy they felt as they prepared for the arrival of their sons, describing Rachael as a star who, despite her nerves, remained strong throughout the C-section.
“She was so happy, so proud, so full of love. She had the world in her eyes when she looked at our boys,” Matt said. “It’s a shame that was the last time she cast her eyes on them, but I hope she is still watching over them.” Reflecting on the loss, Matt added, “It wasn’t just her that died on that table that day, a piece of me did too and I will never get it back. But I won’t let the legacy and the dreams she had for our boys die too.”
The hospital has since issued a statement regarding Rachael’s death. Sue Stansfield, Interim Director of Midwifery at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, expressed condolences, stating, “To lose a loved one is tragic, and our heartfelt condolences go out to all family and friends affected by this sad loss.
As we are in the process of carrying out an internal review and there is an ongoing coroner’s investigation, we can’t comment further at this stage – except to say we will continue to support the family and colleagues involved.”
In the wake of the tragedy, family friend Emma Jones has set up a GoFundMe page to support Matt and the twins, which has already raised over £25,000. Emma, devastated by the loss of her close friend, said, “She was really excited about becoming a mum. She also got engaged the day after her birthday, she was finally getting her happy ever after.”
Emma added, “Her fiancé and family are devastated, they’re absolutely broken. Poor Matt has been left with these two beautiful babies and he’s now having to be a dad to them while grieving his partner.”