Frances Cameron-Wilson

I’m walking 100km in March for families facing baby loss

In February, I committed to walking 100km in March for every much-loved baby sadly not here today -- I DID IT, and then quite a bit more. I clocked up over 40kms in February preparing for March. And, despite a pedometer fail for four/five days during March, I reached the 100km mark a week early!! Then... I recorded an additional 42.4 above the 100 km by midnight on the 31st!

I also committed to raising at least £150, but there I am failing.  I haven't been good about sending out my fundraising page until I could reassure you that I WOULD achieve this. And now, I HAVE!!!!!

I embarked on this challenge with three lovely young women, some of whom also have personal connections with baby bereavement. We walked together when we could, we walked in combinations, but we also walked solo in order to reach our 100kms. We explored our local area together (and I gained solo kilometres further afield), and we had a great time talking and being together along the way. My neon orange Nikes are a familiar sight around town! 

I am the only one of the group who doesn't do Facebook or Instagram, so I am having to contact potential sponsors personally. For all of you who know me, not only was the walking a bit of a challenge in itself, but my lack of social media for fundraising was (and will remain) too! 

For technical reasons, I was unable to complete this page's activity tracker, but, in the Gallery section of my page, I have included photos of the handwritten calendar and screenshots from my phone pedometer that are 'evidence' of completion. There are also photos from the month as  'screenshots' of this incredible personal challenge.

It has been a wonderful experience overall, and I am so glad I did it -- for Sands, an important and valuable organisation, as well as for myself and people I care about.

Here is a bit about Sands, the charity that I am hoping you will support:

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

Thank you,

Frances x