We are Grace and Ashley Banham proud parents of Violet Esme who was born sleeping on 28th October 2017.

Going through loss is heartbreaking and something we weren't expecting, in October 2017 myself and my husband gave birth to our daughter Violet Esme who was born with no heartbeat. At over 41 weeks pregnant in labour this never crossed my mind, It was the day our hearts got broken into a thousand pieces. Each day goes by living a life without our daughter, its a very difficult path to walk down but some how we are. I believe that Violet was brought it our lives to give us purpose and carry on sharing her story and spreading awareness, hopefully helping others.

Starting my blog, Instagram and facebook page after Violet was born we decided to set up a fund in memory of Violet, as some may be aware last year we raised nearly £2000 for three different charities, by walking up the Old Man of Coniston for SANDS and selling our handmade pin badges. Out of the fund we raised we provided our birthing centre bereavment suites with two new top of the range cameras to capture the special moments of meeting their baby and spending time with them in this designated room. Setting up these pages was the start of helping spread awareness Violets Wishes Fund has continued to support Group B Strep Support and SANDS charity whilst raising awareness and give something back to bereaved parents like us. We have also been able to support other parents like us via social media.

To continue supporting these charitys, the bereavement suites and NICU I have decided to walk Mount Snowdon in July (date to be confirmed) in memory of Violet. Its another big challenge but im ready to carry on Violets legacy!

This year our aim is to raise £500 the funds will be used to donate childrens/baby books to the suites by setting up ‘Donate a book Scheme’ books will also be provided to NICU where parents can read to their babies whilst staying with them. For parents its really important to be able to bond with their babies in the short space of time they have. Being given this option gives them that chance to read and bond with them whilst staying in the bereavement suites and on the Neonatal Ward.

Earlier this year we welcomed our rainbow baby into the world giving birth at the same place where Violet was born who spent time in NICU with the support of our consultant, midwives, nurses and our bereavement midwive we wanted to say a big thank you by contiuning to support them.

We hope you can help us reach towards our target in memory of Violet to not only carry on her legacy but to help support these amazing charitys and hospital whilst give something back to parents who like us dont get to take their baby home.

‘Donate a book scheme‘ is a scheme where you can donate a book either in memory of your baby (for bereaved parents) or donate a book from yourself/family. If you would like to donate a book to our hospital please contact us on one of the options below.

Any amount of donations are welcome and much appreciated. With the continued support from everyone we wouldnt be able to make things like this happen for bereaved parents like us.

Dont forget Hand made pin badges are available to purchase at £3 each incl p&p. Please contact me through either Facebook - Colours Of A Rainbow, Instagram - coloursofarainbow1 or email coloursofarainbow1@hotmail.com £2 from each pin badge goes into the fund 💜

Previous just giving page - https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/grace-banham-2

Thank you Ashley, Grace, Violet & Everly xox