For Orlando 💙
On 1st September 2016, I gave birth to my beautiful baby boy, Orlando.
I was 20 years old, just five days away from my 21st birthday. After a 52½-hour labour, at 7:46pm, I finally got to meet my baby boy.
My whole family had been around me throughout my labour, and Orlando was already so familiar with their voices. Every time he heard someone he knew, he would kick. He was such an active little boy, and those little kicks are memories I will carry with me forever.
I only had that night with him. From 7:46pm until the morning, I had the chance to spend those precious final hours with my son before I had to say goodbye.
Ten years later, I still think about those hours. I think about who Orlando would be today, what he would look like, what his personality would be like, and what it would be like to watch him grow up alongside his brother and sisters.
Every year has brought something different, but as my children have grown, it has become harder in ways I never expected.
They ask me about their brother.
They ask when Orlando is coming down from heaven.
They tell me that one day they are going to heaven to see him.
It is heartbreaking, but I also love that they know him. They know his name. They know he is their brother. Orlando is still a part of our family, and he always will be.
This September will be 10 years since I lost Orlando.
I promised myself that when his 10th anniversary came around, I would do something in his memory. And what better month to do it than September — the month he came into my life and the month I had to say goodbye.
So I will be walking 100km for Sands throughout September.
I know what it is like to have to leave a hospital without your baby. I know the emptiness that comes afterwards and the pain of having to carry on when a part of you has been left behind.
I want to help other parents who are going through that same unimaginable experience. I want Sands to be there for families when they need someone to understand, support and guide them through the darkest time of their lives.
I can't change what happened to Orlando.
But I can keep his name alive.
I can tell people about the little boy who kicked when he heard the voices of the people who loved him.
I can make sure his life is remembered.
And I can walk these 100km for him.
For Orlando.
My son. My baby boy.
Forever loved, forever missed. 💙
Our Achievements
Thank you to our Sponsors
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Anonymous
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Michael Gennaris
Great cause Marina, Orlando would be proud 💙 Good luck with the 100k steps xx
