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On the 10th October 2011,  Lee and I visited the hospital for our baby's 20 week anomaly scan. We waited, excited to see our baby. When it came to the head and spine it seemed to be taking a long time. Then, the words I will never forget.....'There seems to be a problem, I think your baby has Spina Bifida combined with a banana shape head' It was then that our lives fell apart. Our much loved, desperately wanted baby was ill. How could this be? She was so active; there had been no signs of anything being wrong. What had we done wrong?  We were quickly referred the following day to a specialist foetal doctor. It was at this stage we were told of the severity of the problem. Bella had a serious form of Spina Bifida combined with hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain) and an arnold chiari malformation. This information presented us with a decision no parent wants to make. The idea of ending my baby girls life was too hard to bear, how could I do that to someone I loved so much? The only thing that both Lee and I were sure of was that we could not have her suffer and if she came in to this world that was a certainty. The Dr informed us that Bella's problems were very severe and she would never survive, if she did get past birth her immediate days would have been full of operation after operation and the outlook still bleak. As Bella's brain had been so severely damaged by the Spina Bifida, she would have had no function what so ever, completely paralyzed. When I asked If she would know who her mummy was.. I was told no. What sort of life is that for a tiny baby girl, my tiny baby girl? The midwife put me in touch with ARC (Antenatal Results and Choices). They offer balanced, caring and informative support to parents in similar situations to us. They are focussed on raising awareness and providing training to midwives and those within the health care profession who have to deal with this difficult subject. I now have access to a private forum where I can chat to other Mums who have been through similar experiences and speaking to them has been of enormous comfort.  On the 22nd April 2012 my cousin who is an active runner (Mark Plemper) has a place in the London Marathon and has offered to run on behalf of Bella and the charity who have given us invaluable support since the day of diagnosis. I really want something good to come of this sad situation and there's no better way than the London Marathon (even if I'm not actually running myself) I am however working with my local hospital and the charity Aching Arms to offer support to other bereaved parents. However If we can help raise awareness of ARC's excellent work and potentially ease the suffering of other expectant Mums and Dads, it will certainly be a positive thing.   What your money can help with: · £10 pays for an information and support pack for a bereaved or expectant parent · £20 pays for the website for a day – an essential aid for parents and health professionals · £30 will ensure ARC 10 Handbooks go to a hospital to be available to parents on hearing bad news · £50 will give training to a volunteer to provide support to bereaved and anxious parents · £100 pays for the upkeep of the helpline for one day – often the first point of contact for distressed parents Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. 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. So please dig deep and donate now.

Raising money in memory of Bella Hawkins

Raising money in memory of Bella Hawkins

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