I would be grateful if you would read my story below and consider making a donation to our project.......
Our son Elliot was stillborn prematurely on 18th September 1995, an experience that has proven to change the course of our lives. He would now be16 years old.
Since 2005 I have volunteered as a Befriender for the charity Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity) offering empathic support to other bereaved parents suffering this often underestimated and misunderstood grief. I joined the Committee of Surrey Sands, a self funded autonomous group within the organisation, and since 2008 have acted in the voluntary role of its Chairman. Thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers the group has developed significantly and completed many valuable projects. With several more in the pipeline I have offered to continue as Chairman for another year, ideally retiring in July 2012 upon completion of our flagship project the Epsom Babies Memorial Garden.
In 2010 I approached Epsom Council to see if I could create a Babies Memorial Garden in Epsom Cemetery, where Elliot is laid to rest. The response was most encouraging with the donation of a 27' x 27' piece of land within the elevated south extension of the cemetery with beautiful views over London. With the help of a small team of creative and enthusiastic volunteers, the design has slowly developed and fundraising progressed. The garden will be a tranquil place for families to sit and reflect on their loss and we hope will encourage some visualisation of how different their family life should have been. Included in the design will be a central feature stone sculpture, a tree, planting, creative paving, seating, rose arch and areas for the placing of memorial plaques. The grave spaces behind the garden will be reduced in size and reserved for baby burials only, plus a space reserved for the scattering of ashes. For many parents who chose cremation they often have no place of focus and for those bereaved long ago may have no idea what happened to their baby. It is hoped this garden will provide a peaceful haven and place of comfort for everyone affected by the death of a baby, however recently or long ago. We aim to officially open this on 1st June 2012, the start of Sands Awareness Month, giving the project an increased profile as it also coincides with the 75th Anniversary of Epsom and Ewell Borough as well as the Queens Diamond Jubilee.
I would like to contribute towards the fundraising so on Sunday 4th September I plan to take part in "Freddy's Footsteps" a 5km sponsored fun run/walk. As most of you know I suffer from 2 debilitating conditions making walking even short distances extremely painful and exhausting. Although 5km is not far for most people, for me it will be a very real challenge. I am however determined to complete it regardless of how long it takes. Charlotte has kindly said she will do the walk with me so this is a combined page for Family Bland!
Update: I did it!!! I wish to carry on fundraising though so please support me to complete this project.
Some of you will also be aware that in October 2011 Chris and I celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary. We would dearly love all those who were at our wedding; those who have joined the family since; those we have built friendships with over the years and those that I have had the privilege to support through Sands to make a small donation towards the memorial garden to make this next year a special one for us and also for Surrey Sands. The value of your donation is not what is important, its knowing you have contributed towards something that will become a tiny piece of Epsom's history and by doing so help me leave a very lasting legacy from my time at Sands.
If you are kind enough to donate please leave a message as this will be something we will print and keep to treasure in memory of Elliot, the inspiration behind this project.
Elliot Bland - Son and Brother- our missing piece of the family jigsaw. Forever loved, forever missed but forever our inspiration x x
Thank you all for your love and support.
With love
Lorna, Chris, Stuart and Charlotte xxx
ps: In addition to fundraising via the sponsored walk and in lieu of anniversary presents we have chosed to donate to this project rather than send Christmas cards. We of course still wish you all a very Happy Christmas! x
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