Thanks for visiting my fundraising page in memory of my son Noah for Sands and/or The Baby Memorial Fund

Nine years ago I ran the Great North Run Half Marathon in Newcastle. At the finish line I swore I would never run so far again. I was tired, my legs hurt and I was feeling very sorry for myself. One knee reconstruction, a shoulder injury, a few more grey hairs and carrying an extra 2 stone I have decided to lace up my trainers again for the Wilmslow Half Marathon in March and the Manchester 10k in May. If you think this is a ridiculous thing to do I would agree, however please read on for my motivation.

Most of you will know our story... Sadly on 12^th Oct 2008 my wife, Kate and I lost our first baby, a son called Noah who was born asleep at 24 weeks and 3 days, our parents lost their first grandchild, our sisters lost their nephew and I could too easily have lost my wife from early onset severe pre-eclampsia.

Our family’s lives will never be the same after this much longed for little boy was taken away from us, but I am determined to stop this heartbreak happening to other families when steps can be taken to prevent it. The money I raise will go towards helping Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) increase awareness of their Why 17 Campaign.

Every day in the U.K an average of ten babies are stillborn. Seven more die shortly after their birth. That’s 17 babies every day. Sands believes that many of these deaths are potentially avoidable. The charity is committed to reducing this loss of babies’ lives and has an important new strategy, which is being launched through the new Why17? Campaign.

We honestly believed that in this country having a stillbirth is a rare thing but the odds are actually 1 in 200. Those were our odds and we were that 1.

Whilst I do my training, get blistered feet, lose some weight and wear out my trainers I'd like you to please make a donation to help Sands support other families like us. Alternatively you may like to make a donation to the Baby Memorial Fund at Wythenshawe Hospital. This charity pays for all the materials and support necessary to create the memories which you make in the few hours/days that you spend with your little angel. It really does make a difference.

Donating through Justgiving is means SANDS gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

If you would prefer to donate to the Baby Memorial Fund cheques can be made payable to The Baby Memorial Fund TGPD 83 A1000. This is a charity run by Chris Navin, a midwife and bereavement officer at Wythenshawe Hospital whose work with families such as ourselves, and care for the babies born sleeping or fall asleep soon after birth is invaluable. Either send cheques directly to her or post them to me at 28 Ashwood, Bowdon, Altrincham, WA14 3DN and I will forward on. 

So please sponsor me in memory of our son and pass this email on to friends, family, family of friends, work colleagues anyone who you think would be happy to support one of the charities. even small change could make a big difference. Thankyou