Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
On 24th October I will be running 10 miles in the Great South Run for Surrey Sands, to raise funds for their Epsom Cemetery Babies Memorial Garden project.
Sands the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity are a fantastic charity and one that is very close to my heart!!
As many of you may or may not already know, we lost our healthy baby boy Aidan on 2nd October 2009. Sadly, at 21 weeks of pregnancy I was diagnosed with a rare and extremely life threatening condition called Placenta Percreta, leaving no choice but for the pregnancy to be terminated and for me to undergo a full hysterectomy!
During this devastating time, we were introduced to Surrey Sands who provide invaluable support to bereaved parents like ourselves - those who have suffered the loss of a baby either during pregnancy or soon after birth. Surrey Sands are a totally self funded group who are run entirely by volunteers. They rely completely on fund raising and donations to enable them to continue with the truly amazing work they do!!
Thankfully, many of you will not have heard of Sands, but sadly, many of you will. At some time or another many people will be touched by baby loss, whether it be their own personal tragedy, or that of a family member or friend. Losing a baby is a traumatic and life change experience, the impact of which is rarely understood and this it what makes Sands such a special and invaluable support network to families like us.
I really would appreciate your support in this to help me raise funds and awareness for such a worthy cause. Any donations, to help me meet my target will be gratefully received.
Huge thanks!
Karen xx
About the project - please read on....
Surrey Sands have recently launched a new project in partnership with Epsom and Ewell Borough Council to build a dedicated Babies Memorial within Epsom Cemetery.
For those who don’t know this cemetery it is in an elevated, peaceful and sunny position just below the famous Epsom Grandstand with stunning views in the opposite direction across London. Originally opened in 1871 and extended in 1996 it now covers 25 beautifully maintained acres.Epsom and Ewell Borough Council have generously provided a 18’x18’ plot in the new southern extension of the cemetery. The section, to the left of the central driveway is as yet unused, the Babies Memorial will form the central focal point and the immediate surrounding plots will be reserved for baby burials. Surrey Sands will raise the funds for the construction whilst the land, equivalent to 8 burial plots has kindly been donated by the Council.A lengthy design process has now started with the aim of creating a tranquil space with central sculpture, seating, planting and hopefully something creative in the paving!For more information on Surrey Sands please visit our web site www.surrey-sands.org.uk
