On the 8th of November 2023, Seb and I received the most incredible news—we were expecting our first baby. We were overjoyed at the thought of becoming parents and bringing into the world someone who was a creation of us.

Our 12-week scan went as expected, easing our initial worries. Excited to find out more about our little one, we booked a private gender scan at 16 weeks. But instead of the joyful moment we had imagined, we were given devastating news. Our baby had an unusual amount of fluid in her tummy, and we were referred to Princess Royal Hospital for further testing.

At our next appointment, we found out we were expecting a little girl. However, the doctors confirmed that the fluid buildup was concerning, and we would need weekly scans and tests to determine the cause. After countless tests, we finally received an answer through an MRI scan in Birmingham—our baby had Congenital High Airway Obstruction Syndrome (CHAOS), a rare condition affecting only 1 in 50,000 births.

Hearing that our baby girl’s chances of survival were extremely low was utterly heartbreaking. We sought a second opinion, clinging to hope, but were given the same devastating prognosis.

On the 11th of April 2024, at 2:02 am, we welcomed our beautiful daughter, Rhea Georgina Cartwright, into the world, weighing 3lb. But Rhea was born sleeping.

The days we spent with her in the hospital were precious, yet leaving without her, with empty arms, was a pain we cannot put into words. All we had ever dreamed of was bringing her home, safe in our arms. That dream was taken from us.

Sadly, we are not alone in this pain. Our best friends, Adam and Charlotte, also experienced this heartbreaking loss when their baby boy, Noah, was born sleeping on the 4th of September 2022, weighing 6lb 3oz at 09:10 am. The grief of losing a child is unimaginable, but together, we have found strength in our shared love for Rhea and Noah, and in our determination to honour them in every way we can.

Now, to honour Rhea & Noah’s memory and support other bereaved families, my friends Sam, Charlotte, Sharan and I are taking part in a 10K run at Cannock Chase Forest on the 13th of April 2025. We are raising money for Ada’s Foundation and Love From George, two charities that meant so much to us during our time with Rhea. These charities provide essential comfort items, clothes, toiletries, and books to grieving families in Telford and Shrewsbury, helping them through the unimaginable.

Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference to families going through the most heartbreaking of losses.

This run is for Rhea, Noah and all the babies gone too soon, and for the families who need love and support in their darkest moments. We know that our little ones will be with us throughout the run, laughing, cheering us on, and sending us strength with every step we take.

Thank you for reading our story and for any support you can give.