In August 2016, I opened a text from my friend, Jackie, expecting that I was being informed that her baby boy was here and instead received the devastating news that, although Jacob was here, his heart had stopped beating.  

Since that time, Jacob's parents, Jackie and Tony, have been informed that 1 in 200 pregnancies result in stillbirth.  This information was never shared with them during their pregnancy.  It's shocking that a lack of resources and funding leads to such a high volume of stillbirths, in what should be the most advanced time for medical care.  

Jackie and Tony were not given the opportunity to prevent the loss of their baby son and only now, after having to experience that pain, will they be fully informed and cared for by healthcare professionals in the way they should have done to begin with.  

Stillbirth and neonatal death is so much more frequent than I ever imagined.  So I am running the Birmingham Marathon, in memory of Jacob Ethan Palmer, to raise money for Sands so that families like Jackie and Tony's can continue to be supported while research and funding goes into preventing this devastating thing happening. 

And to Jacob, beautiful, perfect little baby Jacob.  I am truly heartbroken for your parents they do not spend every day watching you grow.  I have no doubt of the wonderful person you would be as you come from a family of truly awesome, strong and caring people.  Sleep tight little man, I hope we meet one day. 

Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.  For more information about why and who I am raising money for, please visit the linked umbrella page for Jacob Ethan Palmer .

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.