MEARFEST 2013-2021

In their mid-forties, Brian and Claire were surprised and delighted to be expecting their first child together in August 2013. Unfortunately, in the thirty-ninth week of the pregnancy, tragedy struck. Molly Mear was born at 40 weeks sleeping on the 12th August 2013. She died two days before her due date. This left the couple shattered by their grief and they drew even closer in their love and strength together. In 2016, stronger than ever, they decided to brave it by telling their heart-breaking story to the world in order to bring awareness to the possible causes of stillbirth and the emotional devastation this leaves behind.   

Mearfest was created with a focus using Molly’s handprint which has become their copyrighted logo, this was all Brian and Claire have left of her, keeping her spirit well and truly alive. It symbolically kept everyone's hearts beating to the rhythm of rock, her small hand has been held close to thousands of hearts across the world. Mearfest specialises in the new wave of British heavy metal music, which has surprisingly brought many people of all musical persuasions from near and far together. The rest they say is history. 

Molly’s memory has created something unexpected, yet remarkable, forging new friendships across the globe. This has also resulted in a surprising development as many others involved in the event, especially grieving fathers, came forward and shared their own experiences, some never having a chance before to express this kind of grief. It provides a positive platform where others can seek understanding and loving support, giving so much goodness, insight and awareness back into this crazy planet that we all live in today.

October 2020- Brian has WALKED FOR SANDS which is baby loss awareness month raising £1468.16 for SANDS.

February 2021- Claire raised £700 for SANDS via her Facebook Birthday Fundraiser.

March 2021-Mearfest created a one-off fantastic download of 14 NWOBHM tracks by individual bands who have been so giving and helpful to Mearfest over the years. This was for Challenge 14 from SANDS. Each band donated a song, and the wonderful Danny Hynes lead singer from Weapon UK produced this unique album. All money raised will be added here and will 100% go to SANDS.  £1291.00

Brian Mear took on the June 100km walk challenge but completed 64 miles (100km) in ONE DAY. He set off at 4 am on 25th June and returned home at 4 am on 26th June. I drove over to help him at lunchtime, he needed a change of clothing as it was pouring with rain in the morning. His trainers were beyond repair by this point which was 24 miles from home. He set off again after an hours break. I met him again at 6 pm in Mundesley Norfolk, we had a chippy tea and Amélie gave him lots of cuddles.  He set off for his last leg, on his last legs back home to Sheringham. He dragged himself through the door at 1 am. He has raised £2785 on the Facebook challenge page, but also we had £40 in donations here. So he raised a staggering £2,882.17

GRAND TOTAL: £6,341.33

Our new challenge is 100km walk which Brian is going to complete through a 24 hour period from the 24th June 2021. So far he has raised £1078.00, but it's 100km!! Come on friends let's help him to raise much much more...

If you are struggling with the death of a baby, Claire Mear has written a brilliant book covering their story with over 70 5-star reviews. 

(Rocker Bye Baby from the onset is a unique and compelling book. Claire’s impassionate writing launches you into a stratosphere of emotion. Part autobiography, part esoteric, these two elements combine seamlessly to create something quite remarkable. There has been a physical need to produce a book such as this. The trauma of a full-term stillborn baby leaves you with a huge void, but also with an intense need to form some logic and reasoning behind such a heart-breaking loss. This devastation has been the catalyst, the impetus, and the spark behind this memoir. Claire’s life has been one of intense highs and lows. Her story carries us into the realms of big thinking, endless day-dreaming with some miracle-making on the side. Overall, it encourages us all to never give up! On this journey, we confront the divine aspects of our very existence. One moment you will laugh aloud, the next openly weep. A piece of writing which can create such an emotional juxtaposition is a rare and beautiful thing. Stark, absorbing, honest and immensely passionate. Rocker Bye Baby will leave you feeling exhilarated, uplifted, and wanting more. A magnificent life-affirming debut.) 

Here is the link: ROCKER BYE BABY (mearfest.org)

We would like to thank you all for helping us to help SANDS.

Blessings to you all

Claire & Brian Mear