Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington has revealed that her grandmother passed away on the same day she gave birth to her third child, a 'rainbow' baby named Thea Joy. The 37-year-old Team GB star shared the news on Instagram, explaining that the baby's middle name, Joy, is a tribute to her grandmother, Joyce.
Thea Joy Parsons was born on 28 February, following a difficult journey that included two miscarriages over three years. Adlington described the experience as a 'rollercoaster' and expressed gratitude that her daughter is healthy and home. She also sent love to others who are still waiting for their 'rainbow babies'.
Adlington announced her pregnancy in September 2025, nearly two years after she and her husband, Andy Parsons, lost their daughter Harper at 20 weeks in 2023. She had also suffered a miscarriage at 12 weeks a year earlier, which led to sepsis and kidney failure.
The former swimmer, who also has a son Albie, five, with Andy, and a daughter Summer, eight, from a previous marriage, praised the NHS Rainbow Team for their support during her pregnancy. She said she wanted to be open about her journey to help others facing similar struggles.
