Latest news with #EducatingYorkshire
Scottish Sun
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘I will live with the pain forever,' says Channel 4 star as he reveals the ‘unbearable' agony of 3 miscarriages
Matthew describes having his legs taken from underneath him in the hospital - and not knowing if he'll ever feel the same again 'FREE-FALLING' 'I will live with the pain forever,' says Channel 4 star as he reveals the 'unbearable' agony of 3 miscarriages WHEN Matthew Burton thinks back to Christmas 2012, it's not to recall the joyful festive cheer most of us would wish for. For instead, the inspiring Educating Yorkshire star and his wife Laura Hadfield were processing the devastating news that Laura had just had a miscarriage. Advertisement 15 Matthew Burton and his wife Laura Hadfield endured three miscarriages Credit: Matthew Burton 15 Matthew, 42, shot to fame on Educating Yorkshire Credit: Matthew Burton 15 Teacher Matthew with pupil Musharaf Asghar on the hit Channel 4 show Credit: Channel 4 Sadly, it was to be the first of three heartbreaking losses. Matthew, 42, tells Sun Health: 'It's quite a long time ago now but that feeling, of almost having your legs taken out from underneath you in the hospital, isn't something you forget because it was really, really difficult. 'Then there's that sense of being in free-fall - almost wondering where to go from there, what to think, what's going to come next and all the rest of it. It's a lot. 'To go from expecting to welcome a tiny human being to knowing that wasn't going to happen in a matter of seconds was just unbearable.' Advertisement Each devastating loss has packed a punch - but talking through their pain is what carried teachers Matthew and Laura forward, and it's what drives Matthew to speak so openly about their experience today. Back then Matthew, then 29, and Laura, then 24, had been married a year and were keen to start a family. So when Laura fell pregnant for the first time, in November 2012, they were both overjoyed. Matthew says: 'It was just really exciting - wonderful. Advertisement 'I remember Laura waking me up super early and showing me a positive pregnancy test.' The line was faint so Laura took another test to be sure. She also visited her GP. Grief-stricken Aisleyne Horgan Wallace suffers secret miscarriage as cops are called in same week close pal and dog dies The pair, from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, began imagining what life could look like as a family. Matthew says: 'We were so proud of this news that we were the gatekeepers because only we knew at this point, so it very quickly became the centre of our universe. Advertisement 'I remember going to my brother's house for a Friday curry night and I was tasked with getting Laura some cider that was non-alcoholic, but that looked alcoholic. 'I replaced the label with a real cider one and it looked diabolical but we convinced ourselves nobody would know. 'It was just daydreaming but I'd always been a Huddersfield Town football fan. 'I had it in my head that our girl, or boy, would have a number 9 shirt.' Advertisement Five and a half weeks in, Laura called Matthew at work to say she was having a bleed. 'I think we almost reassured each other it was going to be fine,' says Matthew. 'But it wasn't long before we knew we needed to get Laura to the hospital.' The sonographer asked if we wanted to hear the baby's heartbeat and I just sat there with Laura, both of us crying Matthew Burton It was early in the morning on Christmas Eve when they arrived at the Early Pregnancy Unit at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield. Advertisement He says: 'Everyone has stuff going on behind-the-scenes in any workplace but the head at the time, Jonny, couldn't have been more supportive. 'Obviously what Laura went through was so much more.' The following year, in 2013, Matthew also shot to fame in the award-winning fly-on-the wall Channel 4 series. After touchingly helping pupil Musharaf overcome a stammer, the footage went viral across the world. Advertisement That December, Matthew and Laura also went on to have their first daughter Olivia - who they affectionately call Liv. Their miscarriage experience naturally made them more nervous during pregnancy. 'The happiest moment of my life' Matthew says: 'There was a lot of worry. It was Easter holidays this time when Laura fell pregnant. 'We were immediately both Googling and checking things.' Advertisement For peace of mind, the pair had an early, private scan in May 2013 - just weeks into Laura's pregnancy. 'It was probably one of the happiest moments of my life - just seeing this tiny life,' he says, smiling. 'I just sat there with Laura, both of us crying. 'The sonographer asked if we wanted to hear the baby's heartbeat and of course that didn't help with the tears!' Advertisement Despite being overjoyed to have Liv, now 11, in their lives, it wasn't the last of their losses. Three weeks into Laura's next pregnancy, in October 2014, she had a second miscarriage. 15 The couple wanted to start a family after getting married Credit: Matthew Burton 15 But it wasn't smooth sailing, and they had three miscarriages Credit: Matthew Burton Advertisement 15 Matthew raises money for the Miscarriage Association through events like the Manchester Marathon Credit: Sportograf/Matthew Burton 15 Matthew helped Musharaf overcome a stammer Credit: Two Four Production Matthew says: 'It was very similar circumstances. 'Laura had a bleed and we went in again. This time there was no follow-up procedure needed. Advertisement 'The fact that we had a wonderful happy baby who was keeping us incredibly busy and had gone through the miscarriage before meant it didn't hit quite as hard but it was still a loss.' The couple went on to have a full term pregnancy again. Their son Theo, now nine, was born in 2015 and another cause for celebration. Laura's third miscarriage came early on again, in February 2020. Matthew says: 'Laura was only four weeks and had to go through surgery and have a procedure again.' Advertisement Within a year of that their daughter Margot, now three, was born. What is miscarriage and why do pregnancies fail? MISCARRIAGE is when you lose your baby any time before 24 weeks of pregnancy. After this point, it is called stillbirth. The Miscarriage Association estimates that around one in four pregnancies will end in loss, one in five of those to miscarriage. That's around 200,000 miscarriages each year. It's important to know that miscarriage is rarely the result of something you did or didn't do. Most pregnancy losses happen due to factors beyond anyone's control. Usually the embryo has a random genetic effect that means it cannot develop properly. Most women who experience a miscarriage go on to have a successful pregnancy in the future. If you notice symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, cramping, or a sudden loss of pregnancy symptoms, you should contact your GP, midwife, or local Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU). While some bleeding or discomfort can occur in early pregnancy, these signs may also indicate a miscarriage or other complications. Healthcare professionals can perform assessments, including ultrasound scans, to determine the status of your pregnancy and discuss appropriate care options. The Miscarriage Association provides free support and information to anyone affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy. Matthew, now an ambassador for The Miscarriage Association, hopes their story will encourage others to speak out if they need to. Last month he also raised £1,000 for the charity running the Adidas Manchester Marathon. He says: 'Laura and I had to deal with what was in front of us and we had to be there for each other and look after each other and that's something I've learnt from all of this. Advertisement 'She has been through so much more but it's really important to talk - for men as well as women. 'It's an issue that can profoundly affect the conversation about men's mental health. 'If people don't talk they can't get the help that's needed. 'Not everyone wants to pick the phone up but there's support available. Advertisement 'Having networks around and trained professionals to get you the right information can help.' 15 The couple now have three children - but the scars of their past remain Credit: Matthew Burton 15 'It's really important to talk - for men as well as women,' Matthew says Credit: Matthew Burton 15 Matthew is now headteacher at Thornhill Community Academy Credit: Channel 4 Advertisement 15 Laura with daughters Liv and Margot and son Theo Credit: Matthew Burton Now headteacher at Thornhill Community Academy, he adds: 'At school we always say 'be nice' and 'work hard'. 'Sometimes being nice is just listening and that's all it takes. Other times it's pointing people in the right direction to get support.' Despite the heartache, Matthew never takes family life for granted. Advertisement He says: 'Every single day we thank our lucky stars our kids came along. 'The best sound is them laughing - often at my expense - or because they're plotting something mischievous. 'Our journey has meant difficulties along the way. 'Losing a baby is not a feeling that will ever go away but I know how fortunate we are now.' Advertisement 15 The family from Wakefield, West Yorkshire Credit: Matthew Burton 15 Laura first fell pregnant in November 2012 and they were both overjoyed Credit: Matthew Burton 15 Laura had a second marriage in October 2014 Credit: Matthew Burton 15 Laura's third miscarriage came in February 2020 Credit: Matthew Burton Advertisement
The Sun
24-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
‘I will live with the pain forever,' says Channel 4 star as he reveals the ‘unbearable' agony of 3 miscarriages
WHEN Matthew Burton thinks back to Christmas 2012, it's not to recall the joyful festive cheer most of us would wish for. For instead, the inspiring Educating Yorkshire star and his wife Laura Hadfield were processing the devastating news that Laura had just had a miscarriage. 15 15 Sadly, it was to be the first of three heartbreaking losses. Matthew, 42, tells Sun Health: 'It's quite a long time ago now but that feeling, of almost having your legs taken out from underneath you in the hospital, isn't something you forget because it was really, really difficult. 'Then there's that sense of being in free-fall - almost wondering where to go from there, what to think, what's going to come next and all the rest of it. It's a lot. 'To go from expecting to welcome a tiny human being to knowing that wasn't going to happen in a matter of seconds was just unbearable.' Each devastating loss has packed a punch - but talking through their pain is what carried teachers Matthew and Laura forward, and it's what drives Matthew to speak so openly about their experience today. Back then Matthew, then 29, and Laura, then 24, had been married a year and were keen to start a family. So when Laura fell pregnant for the first time, in November 2012, they were both overjoyed. Matthew says: 'It was just really exciting - wonderful. 'I remember Laura waking me up super early and showing me a positive pregnancy test.' The line was faint so Laura took another test to be sure. She also visited her GP. The pair, from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, began imagining what life could look like as a family. Matthew says: 'We were so proud of this news that we were the gatekeepers because only we knew at this point, so it very quickly became the centre of our universe. 'I remember going to my brother's house for a Friday curry night and I was tasked with getting Laura some cider that was non-alcoholic, but that looked alcoholic. 'I replaced the label with a real cider one and it looked diabolical but we convinced ourselves nobody would know. 'It was just daydreaming but I'd always been a Huddersfield Town football fan. 'I had it in my head that our girl, or boy, would have a number 9 shirt.' Five and a half weeks in, Laura called Matthew at work to say she was having a bleed. 'I think we almost reassured each other it was going to be fine,' says Matthew. 'But it wasn't long before we knew we needed to get Laura to the hospital.' The sonographer asked if we wanted to hear the baby's heartbeat and I just sat there with Laura, both of us crying Matthew Burton It was early in the morning on Christmas Eve when they arrived at the Early Pregnancy Unit at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield. He says: 'Everyone has stuff going on behind-the-scenes in any workplace but the head at the time, Jonny, couldn't have been more supportive. 'Obviously what Laura went through was so much more.' The following year, in 2013, Matthew also shot to fame in the award-winning fly-on-the wall Channel 4 series. After touchingly helping pupil Musharaf overcome a stammer, the footage went viral across the world. That December, Matthew and Laura also went on to have their first daughter Olivia - who they affectionately call Liv. Their miscarriage experience naturally made them more nervous during pregnancy. 'The happiest moment of my life' Matthew says: 'There was a lot of worry. It was Easter holidays this time when Laura fell pregnant. 'We were immediately both Googling and checking things.' For peace of mind, the pair had an early, private scan in May 2013 - just weeks into Laura's pregnancy. 'It was probably one of the happiest moments of my life - just seeing this tiny life,' he says, smiling. 'I just sat there with Laura, both of us crying. 'The sonographer asked if we wanted to hear the baby's heartbeat and of course that didn't help with the tears!' Despite being overjoyed to have Liv, now 11, in their lives, it wasn't the last of their losses. Three weeks into Laura's next pregnancy, in October 2014, she had a second miscarriage. 15 15 15 Matthew says: 'It was very similar circumstances. 'Laura had a bleed and we went in again. This time there was no follow-up procedure needed. 'The fact that we had a wonderful happy baby who was keeping us incredibly busy and had gone through the miscarriage before meant it didn't hit quite as hard but it was still a loss.' The couple went on to have a full term pregnancy again. Their son Theo, now nine, was born in 2015 and another cause for celebration. Laura's third miscarriage came early on again, in February 2020. Matthew says: 'Laura was only four weeks and had to go through surgery and have a procedure again.' Within a year of that their daughter Margot, now three, was born. What is miscarriage and why do pregnancies fail? MISCARRIAGE is when you lose your baby any time before 24 weeks of pregnancy. After this point, it is called stillbirth. The Miscarriage Association estimates that around one in four pregnancies will end in loss, one in five of those to miscarriage. That's around 200,000 miscarriages each year. It's important to know that miscarriage is rarely the result of something you did or didn't do. Most pregnancy losses happen due to factors beyond anyone's control. Usually the embryo has a random genetic effect that means it cannot develop properly. Most women who experience a miscarriage go on to have a successful pregnancy in the future. If you notice symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, cramping, or a sudden loss of pregnancy symptoms, you should contact your GP, midwife, or local Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU). While some bleeding or discomfort can occur in early pregnancy, these signs may also indicate a miscarriage or other complications. Healthcare professionals can perform assessments, including ultrasound scans, to determine the status of your pregnancy and discuss appropriate care options. The Miscarriage Association provides free support and information to anyone affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy. Matthew, now an ambassador for The Miscarriage Association, hopes their story will encourage others to speak out if they need to. Last month he also raised £1,000 for the charity running the Adidas Manchester Marathon. He says: 'Laura and I had to deal with what was in front of us and we had to be there for each other and look after each other and that's something I've learnt from all of this. 'She has been through so much more but it's really important to talk - for men as well as women. 'It's an issue that can profoundly affect the conversation about men's mental health. 'If people don't talk they can't get the help that's needed. 'Not everyone wants to pick the phone up but there's support available. 'Having networks around and trained professionals to get you the right information can help.' 15 15 15 15 Now headteacher at Thornhill Community Academy, he adds: 'At school we always say 'be nice' and 'work hard'. 'Sometimes being nice is just listening and that's all it takes. Other times it's pointing people in the right direction to get support.' Despite the heartache, Matthew never takes family life for granted. He says: 'Every single day we thank our lucky stars our kids came along. 'The best sound is them laughing - often at my expense - or because they're plotting something mischievous. 'Our journey has meant difficulties along the way. 'Losing a baby is not a feeling that will ever go away but I know how fortunate we are now.' 15 15 15 All about the Adidas Manchester Marathon Last month marked the largest day of marathon running in recent UK history, with 90,000 people taking part in adidas Manchester Marathon and TCS London Marathon. A record-breaking 36,000 participants crossed the finish line in Manchester. Over £4million was raised for official charities and hundreds of worthy causes - a figure expected to increase. Entries are now open for next year's Adidas Manchester Marathon, which takes place April 19, 2026.
Daily Mirror
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Channel 4 star shares 'unbearable' miscarriage heartbreak before Manchester Marathon
Matthew Burton went viral after helping one of his pupils overcome a stammer on Educating Yorkshire - but his newest challenge will see him take on 26.2 miles this weekend Matthew Burton, better known as the beloved English teacher on Channel 4's Educating Yorkshire documentary, has opened up about the 'unbearable' pain of losing a child ahead of taking on the Manchester Marathon this weekend. Burton first appeared on our screens in 2013, and it wasn't long before a clip of him helping pupil Musharaf overcome a stammer went viral worldwide. Now, he is swapping out his textbooks for trainers as he takes on the 26.2-mile race for charity. On Christmas Eve in 2012, Burton and his wife, Laura, lost their first baby to miscarriage. Burton said: "Words can't ever really describe the feeling of being told you have lost your baby. To go from expecting to welcome a tiny human being to knowing that wasn't going to happen in a matter of seconds was just unbearable. 'Miscarriage is so common, but it still isn't spoken about as much as it should be – there's still a taboo that surrounds it.' Burton has since become an ambassador for the Miscarriage Association and works to raise awareness and funds so it can support people going through pregnancy loss. His previous challenges for the charity have included the Yorkshire Marathon and the Leeds 10k race - and he has appeared on-screen on The Celebrity Chase, which he won. Discussing his newest challenge, which he will be tackling on Sunday, April 27th, Burton said: 'I've been putting in the training on some dark and damp evenings, so since the clocks went forward it's been nice to get out in the sun and light! I'm now strangely looking forward to it – but maybe ask me again after 26 miles.' The Manchester Marathon is the UK's second-biggest marathon event - after the London race which is held on the same day. This year, 90,000 people are expected to take part in the two events, making it the biggest day of marathon running in UK history. Burton said that although the moment of loss he and his wife experience will 'never go away', it taught him a few things. 'Firstly, to talk about it. It helped. Those who knew about it thought they couldn't say the right things, I'm sure, but every supportive word helps,' he explained. He now has three children and works tirelessly to raise awareness of the importance of recognising the impact of experiencing loss - especially for men who sometimes can be overlooked. Burton added: 'The Miscarriage Association works hard to support those who need it at this heart-breaking time, advocate for change, and raise awareness of something that damned well needs it.' On his fundraising page, Burton said: 'I am running to make a change and make sure that every loss matters.' Since appearing on Educating Yorkshire, Burton has taken on a new role as headteacher at Thornhill Community Academy in Dewsbury. He has also travelled the country hosting workshops on leadership and has written a book called Go Big, which aims to help children aged ten and older with the transition from primary to secondary school. Last year, Channel 4 announced that a second season of Educating Yorkshire. The series will be filmed over 2024 and 2025, it said, and is set to be on our screens by the end of the year. Burton said he was excited to welcome the camera crews back into the school: 'The national challenges the profession faces are well publicised, and at Thornhill, I'm really proud of how our staff and students work together to thrive through those. Our values - 'work hard and be nice' - are at the centre of all we do; I have no doubt that viewers will see those come to life in our brilliant community."
