On the 22nd July this year, our beautiful daughter Aria was stillborn at Wishaw General Hospital.

Aria had been diagnosed with a pericardial teratoma (tumor on the heart), pericardial effusion (abnormal fluid surrounding the heart) & hydrops (abnormal accumulation of fluid in 2 or more fetal compartments) & prognosis was extremely poor from 20 weeks. Despite being positive & believing that our girl would defy the odds, our worst fears were faced when a scan at 26 weeks revealed there was no heartbeat.

Two days later, Aria was stillborn at Wishaw General Hospital. Through our darkest day we received amazing support from all the staff, who were caring, attentive & highly trained.

We are eternally grateful that we got to hold Aria, and that our other daughter Anna got to meet her little sister. We got a special memory box with photographs, Aria's blanket and her footprints which I know like any parents in this situation, we will treasure forever.

Sadly, not all parents in our position get the kind of support that we did. Not all hospitals have facilities to give bereaved parents time to say farewell. Luckily, we were given time, privacy & support.

Unfortunately, this is not always possible as Wishaw General doesn't have a separate unit for stillbirths & bereaved parents. We are helping raise funds for the development of a new Bereavement Maternity Unit to allow all parents in this position comfort and privacy. 75% of funds raised will go towards this.

The remaining 25% will go towards the Lola Commons Fund for SiMBA. This is a charity that you never really hear about until you face the heartache of losing a baby. This charity raises much needed awareness of stillbirth, responds and supports all parents and families during this difficult time. (www.simbacharity.org.uk/about-us/lola-commons-fund).

A little money can make a huge difference...

Thank you for your kindness & reading our story.

Graeme & Laura x