Daisy's Story

On the 7th May last year, our Daughter Daisy arrived in this world.  A beautiful little 5 pound 14 ounce baby girl born at 38 weeks.  She was held, adored and loved by her mum and dad like any other new born.  However much we worshiped her, we knew that Daisy's life was not something we were going to share.

Two days earlier, without warning, we had learnt that Daisy had passed away.   Our world fell apart.  Losing the hope of her arrival, was devastating, however losing her again 2 days later, as she arrived in this world was nothing short of shattering.  We longingly tried to hold on to her but always knew at some point we’d have to let her go and she'd be taken from us forever. 

We left her, in her cot in the room she was born not 15 hours after she had arrived in the world.  Walking out of that room was the hardest thing we have ever done.  Some may call it your soul, whatever it is, a piece of us will be forever fixed to the side of that cot.  The torn away piece never getting replaced.

4 weeks later I walked the hardest yards of my life, carrying our daughters coffin on her final journey to a place we will hopefully meet her one day. Surprisingly comforted by holding her once again.  The feel of our baby girl transcending the casket she was within.

One year on, we still have a cry most days and there is still a hole where she should be.  Be it Christmas, Birthdays, Days out with friends or maybe just driving to the shops and catching a glimpse of an empty back seat.  There’s always a hole.  We’re assured with time the hole will become more bearable, but it will always be there.  We would never want to change that.

I do not write these words for your condolence nor your sympathy's.  I am writing this to say THANK YOU.  I write this narrative so you can understand the torturous depths of despair reached when losing a child in this way.  Only when you understand the depths, can you understand where the amazing SANDS charity helps lift you up from .

Sands (Stillbirth and neonatal death charity)

SANDS exists to support anyone affected by the death of a baby.  They work in partnership with healthcare professionals to ensure that bereaved parents and families receive the best possible care.  They fund significant research to help reduce the number of babies dying and promote improvements in practice. 

From the excellent counseling, to the empathetic hugs and words from other past bereaved parents.  The plaster cast taken of Daisys feet to the beautiful photos they took of our daughter when her parents were struggling to put one foot in front of the other.

Their support was priceless....and we want to pay them back.

Our Challenge

A small group of friends and I will be cycling cross country from Whitehaven, to Tynemouth, starting on the 9th July hopefully finishing on the 11th July.

Please support us in our coast to coast ride to raise money for this amazing charity.  The Healthcare profession already does an amazing job with its current technologies and care to try to safely guide parents through the pre natal weeks and months.  However with the right funding, further improvements in technology and practice can continue to make steps to truely minimize Still Birth and NeoNatal deaths.  For the unfortunate , like Claire and I, who do suffer this horrific experience, help us pay for the research into why it occurred and the councilors, that help give closure.  Then help us pay for the plaster casts of our babies toes or purchase cameras so we can see, touch and feel our lost babies whenever we need them close.

Please dig deep.

Thank you

David, Claire and Henry x

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.