25 June 2022

Families and friends who took part in the Twins Trust Walk 10K for TTTS raised around £14,500 for important medical research into Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome.

The beautiful landscape of Virginia Water provided the perfect backdrop for the fundraiser on 25 June 2022 as participants made their way around the route to the finish line.

Around 40 families completed the walk at Virginia Water in Surrey, while many others signed up for their own virtual walk at a location of their choice. The event was sponsored by Irwin Mitchell, Bluelight CRM and Cilix.

From babies in buggies to grandparents helping with the map reading and providing snacks to the hungry young walkers, it was a true family affair.

Many families had a reason for walking, including some mothers who had undergone lifesaving laser surgery on their twins in the womb. Others chose to take part in memory of their babies who had passed away.

Those who signed up for the virtual option chose their very own route and had the option to walk, run, hop or skip to complete the distance.

Lucie Wigley, Events and Community Fundraising Senior Co-ordinator for Twins Trust, said: “We were so pleased to welcome everyone to Virginia Water for the walk and grateful to those who completed their route virtually across the country. It was great to see everyone coming together all with one goal, to help raise vital funds for medical research."

Thanks to everyone who took part – your support makes a real difference to families of multiples.

Joanne Keijzer was walking with husband Kieron and daughters, Khloe and Jorgie. They travelled from Preston to Surrey for the walk.

She said: “Khloe and Jorgie were born at 29 weeks because of Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome. It means a lot to us to raise money for research so that we can hopefully help others and be as lucky as we are to have them both here today.”

Speaking on the day, Judi Linney, founder and president of Twins Trust, said: “I am so glad to be here today for the walk. It’s lovely to see all the families here and also all the staff who have worked so hard. Thank you for supporting Twins Trust.”

Carly Yarwood took part in the walk with her twins Hayley and Mia.

Carly, who lives in Cheshire, said: “We’ve been so blessed not to have struggled with any of the hardship of TTTS. From the first antenatal scan, it was explained that my twins were dichorionic diamniotic and so I immediately knew I was fortunate enough not to have to worry about TTTS. My thoughts quickly went to those parents who would have been elated to hear the news that they were expecting twins then sadly have the worry of these complications. This feeling has stayed with me ever since. Hayley, Mia and I wanted to do what we could to help the brave people who face this condition. We had so much fun doing such a lovely walk around the beautiful Virginia Water scenery. Thank you Twins Trust for organising such a brilliant event and all of the care and support that came with it.”