As many of you know, I lost my first baby Thomas at full term on 5th November 2002.  He was perfect in every way, he had dark curly hair and was very sturdy looking.  I had so little time with him, mainly because I was so ill after his birth so my memories are mostly in photographs.

I am so pleased that at long last I get to run the marathon for a charity I believe wholeheartedly in.  Surrey Sands has embarked on a very special Hospital Support Project to either refurbish or create a dedicated Bereavement Room in each hospital.  The Royal Surrey Hospital is close to my heart as although it is a place where I lost my first son, it is where my precious Matthew and Sam were born screaming.

It is crucial in those first few hours, or days, to be able to spend precious time with your baby creating memories that have to last an entire lifetime.  It is important to have a dedicated room cocooned away from the noise of happier arrivals to provide grieving parents with a sanctuary. 

At Royal Surrey, where Thomas was born, there is an existing room called the ‘Alice Suite’ which is very close to the main maternity wards and is a small, rather clinical room.  The Hospital would like to create a new ‘Forget-Me-Not Suite’ providing a larger bedroom area, a proper en-suite bathroom and a nurses room so that baby can remain close to its parents.  We would also hope to provide space for Dad to sleep and for siblings to play.  The latest costings for this project are in the region of £40k.

Any amount you can spare is greatly appreciated.  I will post updates of my training as I go along!!

Did Bramley 20 mile race....I had forgotten how far 20miles was. It hurt but I did it, just need to get a bit quicker and try not to fret about another 6 miles on top!!Did the Cranleigh 21mile in about the same time as Bramley, but it hurt.  I have the Kingston 16m run next which should be easy shouldn't it!!

Note 1 - Royal Surrey is also raising money towards this project.  Any monies raised through this Justgiving page in excess of the amount required for the project will be donated to Surrey Sands to support other parents and hospitals within Surrey.

Note 2 - Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to donate: Sands gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.  All monies donated will go to Surrey Sands in aid of the ‘Forget-Me-Not Suite’.  The Gift Aid element will be retained by National Sands to support their work which includes research into the causes of stillbirth.