Mother of baby triplets born 14 weeks early dies suddenly at home during her first Christmas with her kids
Family had planned a huge celebration as triplets had recently been allowed out of hospital
THE MUM of tiny triplets born 14 weeks early has died suddenly at home after spending her first Christmas with her daughters.
Rachel Park, 39, was overjoyed when she was able to bring her "miracles" home for the first time in 10 months to celebrate Christmas.
But, sadly Rachel died at home in Whitehaven, Cumbria, on Tuesday, with police describing her death as "unexplained but not suspicious".
Only last week delighted Rachel had told ITV of her and 37 year-old husband Steven's happiness at having their daughters Poppie, Mollie and Evelyn home for Christmas after they were finally allowed to leave hospital.
Rachel and Steven had been “told to prepare for the worst” after the triplet's premature birth but they made great improvements.
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Last week admin manager Rachel said: "It was touch and go with all three at some point but they're all out and fine now.
"We were told to prepare for the worst. They've had quite a tough journey but they're growing now and doing well.
"We're looking forward to Christmas, there's toys everywhere!"
Chef Steven added: "Our girls have been on a huge journey so far and because of that we're going to make sure their first Christmas will be extra special.
"We were so scared that they may not make it this far, and will therefore be really celebrating the festive season."
Steven and Rachel's babies had been much longed for, conceived on the couple's fourth round of IVF.
In an interview earlier this month Rachel had explained: "At six weeks I found out I was pregnant at last.
"At first they only found two heartbeats, so we were over the moon to be expecting twins."
Two weeks later came the shock news the “twins” were non-identical triplets.
Their proud mum added: "Last Christmas we began buying things for them – a pram for three, three Moses baskets."
The triplets were due on June 12, but at 22 weeks Type 1 diabetes sufferer Rachel began to show signs of high blood pressure caused by potentially fatal pre-eclampsia. Her kidneys and liver were failing.
By 24 weeks the mum-to-be was sent to Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle for specialist care, where she had an emergency cesarean.
Recalling the births, Steven said: "There were so many people in that room, about 26.
"They lifted the babies up one by one and a team was allocated to each one. They let me touch Poppie. I kissed her on the head.
"But it was so frantic. I heard another cry, that was number two, Mollie. It was very emotional, the reality sunk in as they were rushed to the special baby unit."
Poppie, Hollie and Evelyn weighed 1lb 9oz, 1lb 7oz and 1lb 6oz respectively.
All three babies now weigh about 14lb each, but still need oxygen and tube feeding.
Last week Rachel said: "It's crazy but we are managing.
"They are very individual, Poppie is a diva, liking her cuddles, Evelyn is very chatty and Mollie is so laid back. It is unbelievable, we never imagined all three getting to Christmas."
A and has so far raised more than £13,000.
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