Rachael Morris

100km in September: Walking for the Babies We Never Got to Hold

In September, I’m taking on a challenge that is going to be both physically and emotionally difficult — I’m going to walk 100km throughout the month to raise money for SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society).

There is a very personal reason why I have chosen this charity.

We have experienced miscarriage.

Losing a baby during pregnancy is something that is incredibly difficult to put into words. There is a moment when you find out that the future you had started imagining has suddenly changed. The excitement, the hopes, the dreams and all the little plans you had already begun making can disappear in an instant.

And yet, the world around you carries on.

People still go to work. Children still go to school. The washing still needs doing. Life continues — even when, for you, it feels like everything has stopped.

A miscarriage isn't simply losing a pregnancy. It is losing a baby, a future and all the memories you had hoped you would make.

That baby mattered.

And although we may not have had the chance to hold our baby in our arms, we will always carry them in our hearts.

That's why this 100km challenge means so much to me.

Every kilometre I walk in September will be for the little life we lost. It will be for the babies who are desperately missed by their families. It will be for the mums, dads, brothers, sisters and grandparents who have been left with an emptiness that is impossible to explain.

And it will be for the families who need support, understanding and someone to tell them that their baby mattered too.

SANDS provides support to families who have been affected by stillbirth or neonatal death, helping people through one of the most heartbreaking experiences imaginable.

Walking 100km might sound like a huge challenge — and honestly, it is. There will probably be days when my feet hurt, when I'm tired and when I wonder why I signed myself up for it!

But whenever it feels difficult, I'll remind myself why I'm doing it.

100km is nothing compared with the lifetime of missing someone you never got the chance to know.

So throughout September, I'll be putting one foot in front of the other, thinking about our baby and all the families who have walked this heartbreaking journey too.

I hope that by doing this, I can raise money for SANDS and help them continue supporting families when they need it most.

If you are able to donate, no matter how small, I would be incredibly grateful. Every pound will help make a difference.

And if you've ever experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal loss, I want you to know something:

You are not alone.
Your baby mattered.
Your grief matters.
And your baby will never be forgotten. ❤️

So, here's to 100km in September.

100km of steps.

100km of memories.

100km for our little one.

And 100km for all the babies who were loved, wanted and cherished, even if they couldn't stay. ❤️

Please sponsor me and help me support SANDS.