A double twin mother who survived a rare life-threatening pregnancy complication, is taking part in a Sheffield Hospitals Charity fundraiser to thank the ‘superheroes’ who led her care. 

Nina Spencer, aged 37, gave birth to twins Jessica and Mason six months ago- but only after going through a very rare but life threatening pregnancy complication called Placenta Percreta. 

Nina, who is married to husband Chris, aged 48, and is also mum to twins Jake and Melody, aged 6, and step-son, Cameron, aged 17, will join her family in taking on the Jessops Superheroes event to give something back to the city healthcare staff who saved her life. 

She said: “At 35 weeks gestation I was diagnosed with Placenta Percreta - a serious pregnancy condition that occurs when blood vessels and other parts of the placenta grow too deeply into the uterine wall - which was life threatening for both me and my twins. 

“I was admitted for a week at the Jessop Wing for observation in preparation for an operation. During that time I was seen by several  doctors and nurses, one of whom was Dr Ruth Newton, who became my rock throughout my stay.

“She answered any questions I had and talked me through my operation and recovery process step-by-step. I believe this lady deserves a medal for helping me through the scariest time of my life. She is a true superhero.

“The operation took place a week later at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital which included a caesarean section for the birth of my babies, a hysterectomy and a blood transfusion at the same time.

“When I woke up, I was soon able to meet the twins who were doing really well, thanks to the amazing staff at the Jessop Wing who had organised bringing them over to the Hallamshire. It was amazing.

“All of the staff at Jessop’s became our family for what would end up being a three week stay. I would have felt very scared and lonely without my husband, but he was also allowed to stay and he was treated with so much care and respect.

“The care I received I was above and beyond our expectations. I will never be able to express enough gratitude to the staff who cared for me. Taking part in Jessop’s Superheroes can only ever cover a small percentage of how grateful I am.”

To raise funds to help improve the care and treatment of babies and their families at the Jessop Wing, Sheffield Hospitals Charity is hosting its fifth annual Jessops Superheroes event, which has now raised more than £90k in the last four years.

This year’s event, promises to be bigger and better than the last, and all involved are encouraged to wear superhero costumes to celebrate the NHS heroes who care for and save the lives of  Sheffield’s tiniest patients every day.

Jessops Superheroes (formally Jessops Buggy Push) is a 2.5k family walk which takes place on Sunday 10 June 2018 at Graves Park at 10.30am. There is a £15 minimum sponsorship for all who take part. All who take part will be given a free superhero bib or cape.

For more information, or to register, visit www.sheffieldhospitalscharity.org.uk/superheroes email [email protected] or call 0114 226 7351.

Nina has written a blog about her journey, which can be accessed at www.spencersarc.com