Next Sunday I’ll be running a half marathon to raise money for the charity Petals. 

I’m running for my amazing friends, Alyx & Jonny, and for their beautiful daughter, Skye, who was stillborn a handful of days before she should have been taken home with smiles and happiness by Al & Jonny last February.

Petals is a small charity which provides specialised counselling to parents who have experienced the loss of a baby or trauma during birth.

They have provided Alyx & Jonny with regular counselling and support since they lost Skye.   

In Alyx’s own words,

‘They are helping us to face what has happened, but also to find strength and hope during this devastating time. We know with absolute certainty that we would not be getting through these impossible hours, days, weeks and months without them. Many parents do not have access to help like this - we know we are incredibly lucky to have them. But they are a charity and rely entirely on donations to keep this service available to parents just like us.’ 

Alyx & Jonny have done so many wonderful things to raise awareness of stillbirth and to help other families dealing with the heartbreaking loss of a child - despite dealing with this every day themselves.  I’m so very proud of them - running a half marathon doesn’t come close to what I’d like to do for them and for Skye (circumnavigating the world on stilts next year maybe?! Ideas welcome!) It’s just a small step to show them how much I care, and I know the magic of Skye will help me to get over the finish line. 

Xxx

Ps - I’m also going to be running a second half marathon the weekend after - it’s not an event, just myself running a 13.1 mile route along the beaches & area I know Alyx and Jonny would have loved to bring Skye for a visit. If anyone would like to join me, they’d be more than welcome! Xx

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