As you are aware my precious daughter Isabella was stillborn at 22 weeks in December 2003. Since that time I have benefitted from the support of Surrey SANDS the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity. The self funding group is run by bereaved parents for bereaved parents. They deliver support services within 7 hospitals across Surrey, as well as a helpline, support groups, web site, 1 to 1 befriending, newsletter and memorial events.
Having benefitted from and valued their work, I have now decided that I would like to raise funds to make a difference to other parents who are in a similar and heartbreaking situation as myself.
Working directly with Surrey SANDS we have launched the Precious Memories Project. Using the funds I raise we will be purchasing items that parents can use in the hospitals to create lasting precious memories of their baby before they have to say goodbye. We have ideas to provide inkless print kits for hand and foot prints, photographic equipment, boxes for a lock of hair and hospital bands, teddies, candles, angel charms with ribbon attached, knitted items and more as we think of them.
To raise funds I have started selling donated used baby equipment, clothes and toys via Ebay and organised nearly-new baby sales. This page has been set up to keep a running record of all the funds I raise via these different outlets. Of course if you wish to donate direct to my page I, and Surrey SANDS, would be delighted!
We intend to start by putting 10 of each of the items in each of the 7 hospitals Surrey SANDS covers. Once used, these will be replenished subject to funding. This project therefore has no target and it is being viewed as a key area of ongoing support.
ADDED ON 01/02/2010 - As I have now raised so much money for The Precious Memories Project, i will be redirecting the money to other projects within Surrey Sands which are in need of funds. I will also be purchasing some premature baby clothes so parents can have choice to dress their baby before they say goodbye.
Another one of these projects may include our Training Fund which enables us to fund local training days for professionals working within Surrey's hospital. These training days aim to educate and inform professionals how to deal with the unique needs of breaved parents.
All the work I have and will be doing is in memory of Izzy.
Thank you for taking an interest in our Precious Memories Project.
Kerrie and Izzy xXx
