Treble trouble

It’s been a whirlwind year for Royal Mail couple Ben Fagan and Hannah Donoghue, who fell in love while working at Crow Lane delivery office in Northampton.

The pair put their relationship on the fast track when, just a few months in, Hannah discovered she was pregnant – with not one, but three babies.

‘We were having a scan and they were counting the heartbeats: one, then another, and we thought, “Oh it’s twins!”’ said Ben. ‘But then they said, “and there’s one more…” I couldn’t believe it. It felt like I was in a dream.’

‘It was a massive shock, because we weren’t officially together at that point! It took us a few weeks to get our heads round it,’ added Hannah.

The triplets – two girls and a boy – were the first to be born in Northampton in three years. Even rarer, they were all non-identical with separate sacs and placentas. The proud parents named the girls Kacey and Ella, and little Lester was named after his father’s favourite football club.

Counting their daughters from previous relationships, Hannah and Ben now have a total of six children.

The pair say they feel lucky to work for such a family-friendly company. Because Hannah’s pregnancy was high-risk she initially chose not to tell colleagues she was carrying triplets, but when she confided in her manager she was moved from deliveries to indoor work.

‘There was a danger I could faint, so I was given duties where there were always people around me,’ explained Hannah.

‘I was also given time off every two weeks for consultant appointments. My team has been so accommodating and understanding. It’s great to have that support when you need it.’

That support has proven invaluable as the couple adjusts to their newfound hectic daily schedule.

‘It’s pretty full-on,’ admitted Ben. ‘It’s difficult to get one baby into a routine, let alone three. From the moment you wake until you go to bed, you’re washing clothes, cooking meals, sterilising bottles, feeding and changing babies.

‘There’s not a lot of rest, but we wouldn’t change it. We’re very blessed.’

Wendy Davies, chair of our Parents and Carers steering group, said: 'With the guidance of our family-friendly policies and the support of their manager, Ben and Hannah have been able to balance their busy family life with the demands of their jobs.

'We wish them all the best for the future with their lovely new family. '

Parents & Carers

Please visit the Parent & Carers steering group homepage to read more about the work the group is doing, and access a range of resources available to support you if you are caring for others.

If you would like to share your story, learn more or get involved, please contact us at parents.and.carers@royalmail.com.