In the UK 1 in every 200 births ends in the sadness of a stillbirth. In almost half of these cases the pregnancy was going well and the death is unexplained.
The death of a baby is a devastating experience for the parents and their famillies. While mothers are in hospital delivering their babies, knowing they will never hear that first cry, Sands volunteers visit the parents and offer emotional support and practical advice on funeral arrangements. Afterwards they offer longer term support for the parents as they come to terms with their loss.

Sands are also working to promote research and improvements in practise which could save lives. The big question is why does current monitoring of these apparently healthy babies not identify them as at risk? In the last 20 years research into cot death has reduced the figures from 2,500 per year in the UK to 300. What can be done to reduce the number of stillbirths?
Sadly stillbirth, though affecting many, is a taboo subject and is rarely talked about openly.
I lost my niece and god-daughter, Florence at 8 months gestation to unexplained stillbirth. Although i never met her i know of the hopes and dreams that surrounded her unlived future and the constant pain Roisin and Rob feel at her loss. Florence will always be loved and acknowledged as a precious member of our family and as my fairy god daughter, gone too soon x. Please donate and hopefully we can make a difference.