Lauren Davies

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

This September, I’m walking 10K for SANDS – the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society, a charity that means more to me than I wish it ever had to.

This isn’t just a fitness challenge or a reason to get my steps in. It’s personal.

I know what it feels like to leave a hospital without the baby you thought you would be bringing home.

I lost my baby, Frank, at 18 weeks and 1 day.

There are some losses that change you forever. Life carries on, because somehow it has to, but you carry that little person with you into everything that comes afterwards.

Frank will always be part of my family and part of my story.

Since then, I’ve been incredibly lucky to become mum to my boys, Alex and Jarek. Jarek is my rainbow baby – the little bit of colour that came after one of the darkest storms. But having children after loss doesn’t erase the baby who came before them. You don't replace one child with another. You simply learn how love and grief can exist alongside each other.

That’s why, throughout September, I’ll be walking my 10K in support of SANDS and the incredible work they do for parents and families affected by pregnancy and baby loss.

Every step will be for Frank.

But I'll also be walking for every baby who should be here.

For every mum who has gone home with empty arms.

For every dad, partner, sibling and grandparent who has grieved a future they thought they were going to have.

For the babies whose names are spoken every day, and for those whose names are sometimes only whispered.

And for the families learning how to carry on while carrying someone forever in their hearts.

If you’re able to sponsor me, no matter how small the amount, I would be incredibly grateful. The money raised will help SANDS continue supporting bereaved families and working towards a future where fewer families have to experience the heartbreak of losing a baby.

And if you can't donate, sharing my fundraiser would mean just as much.

10K. One September. Thousands of families.

And one very special little boy who I'll be carrying with me every step of the way.

This one's for you, Frank. 💙

Forever loved. Forever remembered.