Beth Duckworth

100K Steps in September

In September, myself and Sebastian will be taking on the challenge of walking 100,000 steps to raise money for SANDS – the Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Society. 💜🧡

This is a cause that has become particularly close to our hearts following our own early miscarriage/pregnancy loss in July this year. Experiencing pregnancy loss myself has given me a deeper understanding of the heartbreak, grief and emotions that can come with losing a baby, and has made me realise even more how important it is that families have somewhere to turn for support.

Our own experience in Urgent Care and with other hospital staff wasn’t the most supportive. Because our loss happened early in the pregnancy, there were moments when it felt as though it wasn’t considered a big deal or that it didn’t matter and we shouldn’t be as upset as we were. But the loss of a wanted pregnancy is still a loss, regardless of how early it happens.

That experience has made me want to support a charity like SANDS even more — a charity that listens, understands and is there for people when they are grieving, without making them feel that their loss is any less important or that they should simply move on.

But this challenge is about so much more than our own experience. It is for all the parents, babies and families affected by pregnancy and baby loss. Every loss matters. Whether a baby is lost through miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death, the love, hopes and dreams that surrounded that baby are real, and no family should ever feel that their grief is less important or that they have to face it alone.

This has been an incredibly difficult decision to share on social media, but going through something like this has made me realise just how many other people experience the same heartbreaking and devastating situation. It has also reminded me that, although it can often feel incredibly isolating, you are not alone.

There should never be any shame in sharing your experience, and you should never feel that you need to hide what you have been through. Going from feeling so happy, hopeful and excited, to having that taken away so suddenly, to ‘why me?’ is an indescribable kind of heartbreak.

I am so grateful to have come across a charity that offers support to people and families going through this incredibly difficult time. Knowing that there are organisations dedicated to helping others through such a painful experience is truly comforting, and I hope that by sharing my own experience, it may help someone else feel a little less alone.

So, if you’re reading this and you have experienced the loss of a pregnancy or a baby, whether before or after birth, please know that this is for you too and for your little angels 🤍

SANDS supports families affected by miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal death, providing vital support, understanding and a safe place for people to turn during what can be an incredibly difficult and lonely time. Their work helps remind bereaved parents that their babies matter, their grief matters, and they are not alone. 🧡

So throughout September, we’ll be walking 100,000 steps, in memory of all the babies who are loved and missed, and in support of every family who has experienced the pain of losing them.

Any support would be really appreciated, whether you’re able to donate or not, no matter how big or small, we would be incredibly grateful. 💜