On the 7th of August 2018 Ella May Elphick entered the world sleeping at 21 weeks gestation. That day will forever be imbedded in me as the most painful, heartbreaking day that will stay with us for eternity, however the work of Sands made it that little bit easier, by providing us with information, items and care at a time when we needed it the most. 

Most people get to take their babies home, but for us it was a different story. Sands, however provided us with a memory box full of beautiful things to remember our precious Ella by and that box will forever be our most treasured item, and brings us comfort on a daily basis. 

As a charity Sands provides information and support as well as setting up bereavement suites in hospitals and undertaking vital research to try and lower the rate of baby deaths. An example of where donations go:

£10 provides one free family support pack to help parents through this devastating time.
£20 provides one free memory box- something that is priceless to grieving parents. 
By 2020 Sands aims to reduce the number of babies dying by atleast 20%. In order to do this they urgently need to fund research into better understanding of what causes these deaths. In 2017/18 4 new research studies were funded and £250,000 was invested. 

No amount of anything can describe the lifetime of pain, heartache and wondering that we have been left with since her passing. But knowing that something good, like raising money for an amazing charity, has come from something so awful, means a lot. Most babies get to go home, living a life and making their mark on the world. Just because Ella didn't get to go home, doesn't mean she doesn't get to make her mark...