In early December last year, we were halfway through our pregnancy with our baby girl. Steve and I went along to our 20-week scan so excited to see her again on the screen. However, moments later our world was turned upside down when we were told that she had a very rare and serious heart defect, along with other complications. The following weeks were filled with numerous appointments and scans as we tried to take everything in. Devastatingly, our beautiful daughter, Isla Hope Wilson, was born sleeping on the 18th January 2024.

From the moment of Isla’s diagnosis, we have, and continue to benefit from the work of the Fetal Medicine Team in Fife, alongside three very important charities:

1. Tiny Tickers campaigns to improve the early detection of heart problems by providing specialist training to sonographers doing 20-week pregnancy scans. At the moment, fewer than half of heart defects are detected during pregnancy, however prenatal detection rates have doubled since Tiny Tickers was launched. Although we wish more than anything that Isla’s story was different, we are so thankful that our sonographer was able to pick up there was an issue - this enabled us in some way to better prepare for the rollercoaster that we faced.

2. Sands is dedicated to supporting individuals impacted by pregnancy loss or the loss of a baby. One of their aims is to provide memory boxes so families can create a positive connection with their babies and initiate a lasting parental bond that extends beyond saying goodbye. While no parent should face the heart wrenching reality of what we had to do, leaving the hospital with a box instead of our baby, this memory box has provided us with immense comfort in our journey.

3. Amazing Grace is a small Fife based charity who help fund counselling and provide support for parents throughout difficult pregnancies and baby loss. The counselling sessions arranged for us, have been a huge source of support during this difficult time.

Our hope is to try and create something positive from our experience, by supporting these charities, so other parents who face a similar situation to us can benefit from the help that we have had.

From 22nd - 29th February we are going to cycle/walk 264miles between us (a challenge especially for me being five weeks post birth) in memory of Isla and the 26.4 weeks we had with her, and we would welcome any donations or words of motivation.

Thanks so much, Alex & Steve