Ashleigh Gunga-Wilks

My Story

In December 2025, my husband and I had to make the heartbreaking decision to have a termination for medical reasons (TFMR) after finding out that our baby girl had been diagnosed with Triploidy — a rare genetic condition where a baby has 69 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. Sadly, Triploidy is not compatible with life.

Our journey began at our 11-week scan, when we were told that something wasn’t right. What followed was weeks of uncertainty, difficult conversations and ultimately the most heartbreaking decision we have ever had to make. At 14 weeks, we had to end our pregnancy.

I know that we made the right decision to prevent our little girl from experiencing further pain, but knowing that doesn’t make the decision any easier. Making that choice was the hardest thing I have ever done, and the experience has changed me as a person.

Pregnancy and baby loss is something that is still so difficult to talk about, and TFMR in particular is rarely spoken about. But the babies we lose are still our babies, and the love we have for them doesn’t disappear.

I am taking part in this run for Sands during Pregnancy and Baby Loss Awareness Week, in memory of our beautiful baby girl. She may not have had the chance to grow up with us, but she will always be part of our family and will live on in our hearts forever.

I’m running to remember her, to raise awareness of pregnancy and baby loss, and to help support other families who are going through something no parent should ever have to experience.