1/4/08 Update: Today we met our initial target of £2500 thank you! We have therefore increased our target to £3000 as there are more people wishing to contribute to the project. 22/4/08 Update: We have passed our 2nd target as well now! We are overwhelmed with the level of support from everyone who knows us, this will fund a SANDS room in another hospital as well, thank you. With more still offering to donate we have increased our target to £3500. 12/5/08 Update: Today we have reached our 3rd target of £3500 exceeding our original target by a fantastic £1000! We are aware that there are still donations to be made which is truly overwhelming. This level of support clealy indicates that so many people, particularly those blessed with children, can identify with the need to support bereaved parents. On behalf of Surrey Sands we offer a heartfelt thank you to you all Lorna & Chris x 21/5/08 Update: Chris arrived back home late last night. Around 270 miles covered safely. Very tired and tender!!!
Thankfully most of you will have never heard of Surrey SANDS. The charity provides invaluable empathic support to parents whose babies die during pregnancy or soon after. Sadly I was introduced to SANDS (The Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) following the stillbirth of our third child Elliot. They are a totally self funding group, run entirely by volunteers including my wife Lorna who is a Befriender and Committee member. Upon reflection of our own experience, we know that the environment in which you spend those few hours with your baby impacts significantly upon the memories created. For these to be special it is vital that this brief time is spent in comforting and peaceful surroundings. Unfortunately most Surrey hospitals do not have dedicated facilities for this purpose, including Epsom Hospital where Elliot was born. We believe that we can draw upon our experience to improve facilities for others. It is our wish to create a tranquil space in which parents can grieve quietly and alone with their baby, something we would have valued for our all too brief time with Elliot. I have therefore committed to complete a sponsored cycle ride to raise funds to create a dedicated SANDS room at Epsom Hospital. A suitable room has already been identified for the purpose and Lorna will oversee the project on behalf of the charity ensuring that all funds are appropriately administered. My companion and fellow cyclist for the trip will be my close friend Wil Suthers, who has offered relentless support to us since the early days of Elliot’s complicated pregnancy. We both thank him unconditionally. The 7 day ride will cover the 250 mile coast to coast route known as the Wessex Way. Starting at The Pier in Weston-Super-Mare on 14 May and finishing at the top of Beachy Head on 20 May 2008 stopping at B&B’s overnight. Approximately 75% of the route is off-road and with no support team following us we will be self sufficient. Those who know me well will argue this is just an excuse to visit tea shops in pursuit of the perfect cream tea. My response, naturally, is you don’t run a body like this on salads!! Donating through this site is simple, fast and secure, and the most efficient way to sponsor me. SANDS will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. This is a self funded event; all monies donated will go directly to the Surrey SANDS Hospital Support Project. Gift Aid will be retained by National SANDS towards the charity infrastructure costs. Please help me to create a dedicated bereavement room so that other parents are left with some precious memories. Thank you all for your support.
Chris If you wish to learn more about the work of the charity please visit http://www.surrey-sands.org.uk/
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