On November 4th 2020 our son James was born sleeping. The night James lost his life, we lost our son, Madeleine lost her brother and our family lost a huge part of its future in a tragedy that I am still struggling to come to terms with.

Despite this we have still managed to gain cherished, beautiful memories of our time with James through the support of all the wonderful and caring people at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and Sands...without which, memories which will stay with me forever would simply not have been made.

Therefore, in James’ memory, and to raise funds for 'Held in Our Hearts: SANDS' I will be cycling / walking Coast to Coast with a few friends (COVID allowing), so that they can continue to provide the thoughtful support to parents who simply don’t know what they need at a time of utter numbness.

I would really appreciate any support you can manage and hope you never need their support; but if you do, with your help, they will continue to be there.

Many thanks,

Stuart, Lauren, Maddie & James xxx

More information about Held In Our Hearts: SANDS Lothians is an Edinburgh based community charity that provides compassionate support to families following the death of a baby through specialised bereavement services including befriending and counselling.

https://heldinourhearts.org.uk/