Helen Wills

Day One - Why I'm Walking

Within the last six months we have lost two babies, Poppy and Olive. This time has been traumatic, and both physically and mentally draining. I'm still recovering from the loss of Olive, which happened only a week ago, and I know I will forever be coming to terms with the emotional loss of them both. 

Navigating two miscarriages in such a short time has been overwhelming, and I'm hoping this challenge of walking 100km in September will help towards processing my grief, allowing me to put one foot in front of the other and will aid my recovery. 

I’m also walking to break the silence around baby loss; it can be extremely lonely experience. Asking for help is difficult when you yourself can't see anything that could help. Saying this, I have been lucky to have some amazing people around me who check in and provide support without me needing to ask. This has been invaluable to me during this time.

I am walking in loving memory of Poppy and Olive, and to support every parent navigating the silent pain of pregnancy loss. Sands provides vital support to bereaved families, and I want to ensure no one has to walk this path alone. 

Thank you so much for supporting my walk and remembering our babies with us.