Story
<p>Some of you will know that one of my best friends in Newcastle (Georgina) and her husband (Markos) lost their baby girl, Phoebe, earlier this year. She was stillborn on 4th March 2011. This obviously was, and continues to be, a really difficult time for them, and Phoebe is greatly missed. I was privileged to share the joy and hearbreak of meeting and holding beautiful little Phoebe, and will always remember her.</p>
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<p>During these past few months Georgina and Markos have received fantastic support, love and care from the charity <span style="color: #000000;">Teardrop (<a href="http://www.teardropsupportgroup.co.uk/">www.teardropsupportgroup.co.uk</a>) which has really helped them through this time, and you can read more of their story on Georgina's just giving page (<a href="http://www.justgiving.com/Phoebe-Willow">www.justgiving.com/Phoebe-Willow</a>).</span></p>
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<p>Georgina decided she wanted to do something in memory of Phoebe and to raise money for Teardrop so took the brave step of signing up to do the Kielder Challenge. This involves walking just under 26 miles round Kielder Reservoir in under 10 hours. As Georgina says on her justgiving page this is 'not merely a nice stroll around a lake' as it is quite 'up and down' in places! She asked if I would be willing to join her and so I have also signed up for the challenge!</p>
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<p>I am doing this challenge to support Georgina on what has been and will continue to be an emotional journey, and to encourage her in her training and on the day. This walk is in memory of Phoebe (and I'll also be remembering other friends who are grieving over the loss of tiny little ones) and I hope to raise lots of money for Teardrop so that others who have to go through this experience can hopefully receive the same level of care and support as Georgina and Markos received.</p>
<p>This is also a personal challenge for me. I love walking but prefer a shorter distance and a more relaxed pace! Georgina and I have been training hard and hope we can meet the challenge! It would be great if you can support us in this.</p>
<p>Thank you! </p>
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<p><em>Teardrop is a voluntary organisation under the auspices of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. It is affiliated to Sands (the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) and supports bereaved parents and relatives of babies who have been lost through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death or termination of pregnancy because of fetal abnormality. </em><em>Any monies donated through this Just Giving page will automatically be re-directed into Teardrop's accounts and will only be used to support other families in this situation.</em></p>
<p><em>Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.</em></p>