Keeley Seatherton

Hi all, this year me (and Louie) are going to take part in SANDS Ribbon Run (we will be walking)🎗️ on 12/10 to raise awareness and monies for a charity that helps so many families that go through a life changing event of losing their precious babies. 🪽🩷💙

I'll be doing the fundraiser this year, in memory of our darling girl, Francesca, who graced us with the most precious 8 days. 🩷 

Most know our story, but Francesca was born at 24weeks due to me contracting an infection on the outside of the water sack, called Chorioamnionitis. Not a lot is known about the infection, nor do many professionals know why it occurs. Francesca was growing fine but due to me becoming ill, my body wanted to push out the infection... Leading to preterm labour. The labour couldn't be stalled as my infection markers were very high and there was risk of Sepsis if they had waited any longer. Francesca became poorly due to being born so soon, her lungs hadn't developed enough. She had a pneumothorax and later developed a perforated bowel. Little Fran was too poorly to undergo surgery, so we chose to spend time as a family and I'm so pleased we got the photos and time we did with our girl, we were provided with a gift box of things like hand and footprint kit, a pot for a lock of hair, a memory chip for a camera, 2 of the same teddies one to go with Fran and one to stay with us, key chains, a note book, forget-me-not seeds and much more... Things your mind doesn't think about when you're so focussed on the health of your baby and the trauma you're currently experiencing. These weren't provided from SANDS for us, but they could be for someone else. 

Even though we didn't use SANDS charity personally, there are so so so many families that go through similar debilitating moments in the NICU with their poorly babies that deserve the chance to receive support from SANDS if they wish to... Because in these very difficult times, everyone deserves someone to talk to. The only way charities like SANDS can provide this support, is with funding. If I raise even £10 so someone can get a hand and footprint kit to remember the size of their tiny feet, I'll be happy. 🫶🏼

I'd really appreciate it if you could share this post, or make a donation if possible. 🌈🤍

P.S if anyone would like to sign up or come along for the walk, I'd welcome the company and support. 🫶🏼