We will be running the London Landmarks Half Marathon on 7 April 2024 for our son, George, who suddenly and tragically died at eight days old in April 2023.

George was born on 20 April 2023, weighing 4lbs 11oz, and we were delighted to have George at home with us one day later. Over the next few days we were in and out of hospital with George for jaundice treatment, but on his 7th day he started to deteriorate and not feed well. 

We took him back into hospital and a few hours later George had to be taken to special care due to his oxygen levels dropping. 

In the early hours of 28 April, George suffered an internal bleed and doctors spent hours resuscitating and attempting to stabilise him to transfer to a specialist hospital but tragically he never made it.

After a post-mortem examination, we discovered that George had contracted a virus,  which took over his heart and lungs. The virus is asymptomatic and it was not detected before it was already too late.

Returning from hospital with an empty car seat, empty cot and no baby in our arms is one of the most tragic feelings. Our lives have been changed forever.

In honour of George, we have set up this page to raise money for the charity that has provided our family with bereavement support.

Through this charity we hope that more research can be done to save babies' lives in the future and no other parents have to endure what we have.

#ForBabyGeorge

Any contributions are greatly appreciated.

How your donations can help:

£19.93 - could provide a bereaved family with a memory box to help create and keep safe precious and lasting memories of their baby

£36.02 - could answer a call from someone reaching out for support who has been through pregnancy loss or the death of a baby.

£98.37 - could help ensure every hospital in the UK has a dedicated Sands volunteer to help healthcare professionals access our training, guidance and support.