Amanda Holden reunites with midwife who ‘saved her life’

Amanda Holden held back tears as she was reunited with the midwife who ‘saved her life’ when she gave birth to her daughter Holly, 12.

The Britain’s Got Talent judge, 53, is taking part in the Big Ride to Work Challenge for Heart’s official charity, Global’s Make Some Noise.

Before she set off on her third day of the challenge on Wednesday, Amanda was surprised on air by Pippa – the midwife who helped her during Holly’s birth.

During Heart Breakfast, Amanda’s co-host Jamie Theakston said: ‘So then, it’s Wednesday morning, which can only mean one thing: day three of the biggest physical challenge of her entire life – Amanda Holden’s big Ride to Work! 

‘She has set off from her mom’s house in North Cornwall on Monday. We’re not making you do that again, don’t worry. Don’t freak out! 

Amanda Holden held back tears as she was reunited with the midwife who ‘saved her life’ when she gave birth to her daughter Holly, 12

Amanda told how she and Pippa first met when she was making a documentary about midwifery and they stayed in touch after

Amanda experienced a difficult birth with her youngest daughter Holly (pictured right along with sister Lexi, 18

‘She started a five-day, 250-mile ride to the Heart studios here in London. Days One and Two were, let’s say, savage – rain, hills, the lot.’   

Amanda said: ‘Yes, and another one today, I think. Although the weather app is saying, well not sunshine, but no rain. So I am thrilled about that. I’ve got new trainers on as well.’

Jamie replied: ‘Oh they are literally box fresh!’ to which Amanda said: ‘They are box fresh, I am hoping they don’t leak.’

Jamie added: ‘So we’ve been helping you each day. I hope we’ve been helping you with the lovely, big red buzzer surprise. 

‘It’s a lovely little cycle ride surprise, where it could be anything, and it could mean, I mean literally, it could be absolutely anything. Monday BGT golden buzzer act Sydnie Christmas appeared. 

‘On Tuesday, it was a £100,000 donation, thanks to Wild Robot. But what could it be this morning, Amanda?’

Excited, Amanda said: ‘Oh my gosh! You said it’s emotional.’

Jamie said: ‘It is, it’s going to be a moment. So it is time for you, when you’re ready, to press the red buzzer and find out what your surprise is this morning. Shall we do the countdown? Alright. Five, four, three, two, one. Press it!’

Amanda: ‘[Pippa] supported me through my very sad stillbirth that I had with my beautiful son, Theo. And she’s basically been there for the whole thing. And then when I had Holly, that birth wasn’t an easy one either’ 

Amanda pressed the buzzer and Jamie said: ‘I’m going to say one name to you, just one name, and you’ll see on FaceTime in a second, one name. That name is Pippa.’

Becoming emotional, Amanda said: ‘Oh don’t, that just makes me cry straight away! Oh Pippa, you’re actually there!’

Pippa said: ‘I didn’t cycle here, just to be clear.’

Amanda replied: ‘Oh no, but you’ve done really well. You’ve been running.’    

Jamie then said: ‘Let’s explain why Pippa means so much to you. Amanda, I think you should tell the story.’

Amanda told how she and Pippa first met when she was making a documentary about midwifery and they stayed in touch after.  

She added: ‘[Pippa] supported me through my very sad stillbirth that I had with my beautiful son, Theo. And she’s basically been there for the whole thing. And then when I had Holly, that birth wasn’t an easy one either. 

‘And she basically saved my life during the birth of my little girl, Holly, who is now 12. So yeah, and she’s a friend for life. And honestly, anytime I’ve got an emergency or anything that happens to one of the girls or me, Pippa is always the first person I call – she is like the light, the strength. She’s a good laugh. 

Amanda set off on her third day of the challenge on Wednesday 

‘She can drink me under the table! There’s a million other reasons I love her, but yeah, primarily she’s just, she’s just got the answer to everything. Always. She’s brilliant. I love her. I love you!’ 

Jamie asked: ‘Have you got anything to say to Amanda, Pippa?’

Pippa said: ‘Oh, I know you’ve got this, Amanda. You have. You are amazing. You’ll just get your head down, do the challenge. And you know you’re doing so much good for other people, and I know that’s what drives you. 

‘So, you’ve got so much resilience. You just get on and make this happen, and I’ve got every faith you will. I really felt for yesterday in that rain, I really did! 

‘I thought, ‘Wow, this is a test.’ But I knew you’d get through it. I knew you’d find some new shoes, because that’s always important!’

To speak to someone about pregnancy loss, call The Miscarriage Association on 01924 200799.