Jess Brinson

I’m walking 100K in September for families facing baby loss

Another September, another 100km! 

I’m back again, asking for donations to Sands, but this year in a very different headspace. When doing this challenge last year I had just become a bereaved parent to Olivia, who was stillborn at full term on 24th June 2024. I was still in the thick of grief, started anti-depressants, counselling, and on maternity leave with no baby. Just doing anything I could to make sure I just survived day to day. Raising so much money for Sands along that journey was amazing and the support gave me such a push. 

This year, I’ll be taking Olivia’s little brother Arlo on the walks with me. The grief of losing a child stays with you forever, but I’m finally out of the thick of it and am able to enjoy life again, and enjoy maternity leave how it was meant to be enjoyed. Especially with Arlo by my side, our rainbow. 

That being said, I still use Sands most weeks. As wells as helplines and webchats where you can speak to a professional, they also provide a forum for bereaved parents to talk about our experiences, and chat about things we probably wouldn’t be able to say for anyone else. I’ve made many connections with other Mums on this forum and don’t think I would have made as much progress as I have without it. 

My life story will always include a stillbirth, but it shouldn’t have. It changed the trajectory of my life forever, and changed who I am. That’s why charities like Sands are so important. They 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.

For Olivia, and all the other babies, always 🩷 🕊️