On Saturday 24th June 2017, the unthinkable happened. Our perfect baby boy, Zachary Hedley Suchley-Smith was born by emergency c-section at 41 weeks but heartbreakingly lost his fight 12 hours later. After a problem free pregnancy, we never ever imagined we'd be leaving hospital without him and with Libby so poorly, our world fell apart.

Zac will always be our champion - he was a fighter and whilst we're trying our best to be like him, there's no way we could ever have got through what's happened without the incredible support of our family and friends and the amazing charity, Sands.

Sands support anyone affected by the death of a baby, working to improve the care bereaved parents receive, and promoting research to reduce the loss of babies' lives. Unbelievably, 15 babies die every day in the UK before, during or after childbirth - a shocking statistic that Sands are working tirelessly to reduce.

The immediate support Sands gave us was invaluable and has given us memories that we'll treasure forever. Photos, hand and feet casts, a memory book, as well as the comfort and advice from our bereavement midwife and the private room at the hospital which allowed us to stay together until Libby was discharged - all made possible by Sands. Moving forwards, their support will be instrumental in helping us to come to terms with what's happened and the journey to giving Zac the brothers and sisters we promised him.

Zac was with us for 12 hours and so we're hoping to raise £12,000 for Sands in his memory - £1,000 for every hour he was here. He fought so hard to meet us so whilst it's a big target, we're determined to do it for him. We're thinking of fundraising events/challenges so if you have any ideas, please let us know - we'd love as many people as possible to join in.

As well as supporting Sands, we're keen to encourage people to give blood because without it, Libby wouldn't be here. She lost half her blood and went through multiple transfusions which wouldn't have been possible without the selfless generosity of blood donors.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the love and support. It's a long road ahead but no matter what, Zac will forever be our champion.

Clare & Libby x