Bethany Anne Black

I’m taking part in Sands Ribbon Run

This is my second year fundraising for Atlas, and my first time fundraising with SANDS, i have found fundraising and being part of spreading awareness on the support out there for bereaved families, helpful when navigating my own grief. Keeping busy; being able to speak about her and still feeling like her mum when she isn’t here, is exactly why charities like SANDS are so important, grief is isolating, not having support in those early moments of loss can be detrimental, having access to the resources sands provides.

When i lost atlas, it was in pregnancy, so she had no special blanket she loved, she didnt have a favourite teddy, or a dummy she loved, i worried after i gave birth there wouldn’t be anything physical to remember her by, in the hospital i was given bears, her hospital bands, teddies, knitted butterflies, memories to have for her- £20 can help create a memory box for bereaved families that can help store memories like footprints and handprints it received and any other memorial bits for their babies. 

Having someone to talk to; specifically about your grief, your child, your thoughts, is imperative, i remember feeling embarrassed, judged; like people were bored of hearing about it; of hearing about her. Knowing i had support, people who wanted to listen, wanted to help me dissect and understand the trauma i went through, who helped me really understand my feelings and made me feel normal.. but also feel heard. - £35  could answer a call from someone reaching out for support who has been through pregnancy loss or the death of a baby.

Whether you have experienced pregnancy, baby or infant loss, or you know someone who has suffered it. Its something nobody ever should have to bare , support services are crucial and a vital support system for families and thats why fundraising, donating and being part of supporting an organisation like SANDS is so important. 

I’ve committed to taking part in Sands Ribbon Run which takes place during Baby Loss Awareness Week (9-15 October) for every much-loved baby sadly not here today.

Sands ensure that everyone affected by the loss of a baby gets the support they need and deserve when facing the toughest of times. They campaign for change, provide training for midwives and healthcare professionals, and support research so that fewer babies die and so that less families experience the tragedy of losing their baby. Anything you are able to donate means so much.

Thank you.