This October every step counts. Between the 5 of us we will be walking/running 1,550,000 steps in memory of Helen and Chris’s daughter, Ruby Elizabeth Kowalkowski

That’s 50,000 steps every day for Helen, Chris, Kate, Jason & Meg

We are raising momey for SANDS UNITED Brighton & Hove. SANDS in the Stillborn amd Neonatal Death Society

Sands United FC is a unique way for dads and other bereaved family members to come together through a shared love of sport and find a support network where they can feel at ease talking about their grief when they're ready

The teams also commemorate their babies' all too brief lives by proudly displaying their names on the kit worn for every match

And each team member helps make a difference by raising vital funds to help Sands achieve its vision of a world where fewer babies die, and when a baby does die, anyone affected receives the best possible care and support for as long as it's needed

Whether you run, walk, dance or climb, be part of the team taking on #stepsforsands

A Message From Ruby's Mummy & Daddy - Helen & Chris

On Wednesday 5th June 2019 at 4:09am, our beautiful daughter Ruby was born full term at East Surrey Hospital after a very textbook pregnancy and labour. During the final stages of labour Ruby did not receive oxygen and therefore after resuscitation, she was left with a brain injury called HIE (Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy)

Ruby was later transferred to Ashford and St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey where she was very closely monitored in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)

Ruby tried so hard for 2.5 days, however there was sadly no improvement on her brain activity and therefore we, as her mummy and daddy, had to make the worst decision anyone should ever have to make, and that was to remove her life support. On Friday 7th June 2019 at 6:57pm we said goodnight to our beautiful, dark haired baby girl, Ruby

20 weeks after Ruby was born, Chris joined SANDS United along with Jason who has been a great friend and huge support to both Chris and Helen. Having that space, knowing you're not the only person going through a similar kind of grief gives some "normality" in your life

SANDS United give a great amount of support to bereaved fathers and we would love to show our thanks by raising money to support the club

Thank you for reading and for your support