Lizzie Riordan

I’m running 50k in September for families facing baby loss

I'm running 50k in September in memory of our 5 babies that we lost through miscarriages.

Mine and Jame’s story began on the 22nd may 2023 when I found out I was pregnant.  We hadn’t been together too long but we were over the moon. I remember telling everyone in the family, and telling dad on Father’s Day. Three months later I had a very traumatic miscarriage. I sent our scan pictures to a sonographer who told us that our baby was a little girl. We were absolutely heart broken.

Later that year James lost his beautiful mum. Only weeks after we found out we were expecting again. We felt like she had left us this little one. Unfortunately this led to an early loss.

In April 2024 we found out again we were expecting but this led to another early loss.

In January 2025 we found out I was pregnant, but our hearts were broken again with another loss.

I had a referral to gynaecology with a long waiting list and decided later that year to go private with a specialist fertility nutritionist.

After multiple consultations, getting our bodies in the best shape possible, taking all the supplements and having the medication I needed for when I fell again, we tried and waited. I started to think this wasn’t on the cards for us.

On Sunday the 26th July 2026 we found out I was pregnant again. We were so sure this was it now, that our little rainbow baby was here to stay, but at 5 weeks I miscarried. I sat on the toilet crying, terrified of what my body was doing. I am writing this now as I am miscarrying, desperate to carry on and stay hopeful.

I’m doing this for myself, James and all the couples who have had to face miscarriages or baby loss. To having to smile through every pregnancy announcement, and being genuinely happy for the people you love but feeling like your heart is ripping in two for something you so desperately want and are grieving for. To feeling like you’re being left behind whilst it seems the world is moving forward. To having to endure the pain physically, mentally and emotionally from each baby loss and questioning how the hell you carry on. For something so unfortunately common it is one of the most isolating experiences. 

Sands 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 fewer families experience the tragedy of losing their baby. Anything you are able to donate means so much.

For all my little angel babies, you are always, always in our hearts, love your mummy and daddy xxx