I'm taking part in The Lullaby Trust's February Fifty Challenge. The Lullaby Trust raises awareness of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), provides expert advice on safer sleep and offers emotional support for bereaved families. 

Just over 30 years ago on 9th December 1990 my baby daughter Jessica died silently, suddenly and unexpectedly in the night. She was bonny, bouncy and beautiful. I sometimes wonder what her life would have been like now.  

At that time of utter devastation and distress the compassion and support of the SIDS charity was a lifeline. Since my retirement as a  nurse, I have trained as a volunteer befriender for the Lullaby Trust and doing the February 50K challenge is another way to support their valuable work and keep me fit at the same time! I love being outside in all weathers and look forward to getting to know every nook and cranny of my local area as I challenge myself to run 5k on 10 occasions in February.

It is upsetting to think that during the COVID pandemic many bereaved families are unable to have the physical comfort of their loved ones. The death of a child brings a grief that is life long and it is so important that the Lullaby Trust continues to be able to provide this much needed support.