Thank you  for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.  I decided to enter the Ride 100 in memory of my granddaughter Ella Stone, who came into our lives last October 6th 2016.  Lizzie, my daughter, and Rob our son in law,  were 34 weeks pregnant when they found out she had died, having only had a perfectly normal scan 3 days previously.  She just stopped breathing... She came into the world 2 days later, weighing 5lbs 1oz, looking just like her brother....She was born in a special suite at the Royal Surrey hospital in Guildford, which is sponsored by SANDS, a special suite with a double bed, as well as all the necessary medical equipment.  Lizzie delivered her with great dignity and peace, wanting to hold her straight away, feeling a mothers' love immediately.  Rob and Lizzie were able to stay with her for as long as they wanted.  Photos and footprints were taken. A special memory box was also in the room - also sponsored  by Sands, with a couple of little teddy bears, one to go with Ella, to keep her safe on her final journey, and one for Liz and Rob. Our families were then thrown into a world we didn't know existed... Each day we think of her, talk to her, and think of what could have been...... She will never be forgotten.  So I wanted to do something tough to raise funds for this special Charity, who were there at the very darkest moments, and continue to be there for any of us if we need them.  WE are riding in Ella's name - The Roses - we are currently 9 members, some very amateur, like David and I, and some quite seasoned cyclists.  It has to be tough as it means so much to me, and my pain in the saddle will never be as much as Liz & Rob's continued pain.  I will also be doing some cake & conversation parties, where I will do my baking and hopefully spreading the understanding of Stillbirth and neonatal death.  15 babies die a day, most of whose deaths are recorded as "cause unknown" - like Ella.  It would have helped so much to have known "why"...... 30% of deaths happen at full term... a figure that I find shocking, much worse than other similar countries.  I will be posting pictures of my fundraising as we go forward, Please help in anyway you can and give these precious, much loved  babies a valuable legacy.

Thank you in advance from Sara and her team of ROSES.