Hexham MP Guy Opperman 'devastated' at twin boys' deaths
Conservative MP Guy Opperman has said he is "devastated" about the deaths of his twin baby boys.
On Twitter, the Hexham MP said his sons Rafe and Teddy died last week in neonatal intensive care.
The 55-year-old said it was a "horrible tragedy" and that his family felt "shell-shocked".
Mr Opperman also thanked the NHS for trying to save his children and said he and wife Flora were being supported by the Sands charity.
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"The loss of our younger twin Rafe was particularly acute," Mr Opperman said. "He lived and died within a long day. But we treasure our time with him in neonatal ICU.
"We were able to tell him of all our hopes and dreams for him, and our family, but he could not make it and died in Flora's arms," he said.
"We are grateful to the NHS doctors and nurses who tried to save our boys.
"We are engaging with Sands, who help families coping with the grief of baby loss.
"We will try and establish a small fund to support research that will prevent other families experiencing the same pain", Mr Opperman added.