We're running for Florence 💔

Hiya, I’m Ami. On 2nd August me, Michael our friends and family will be taking on the Cheshire 5K Inflatable Obstacle Course to raise money for 2 services. The Snowdrop suites and The Alder Centre at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

We’re doing this in memory of our beautiful daughter, Florence (Flossie), who we heartbreakingly lost in September at nearly 6 weeks old. She had an AVM (arteriovenous malformation) in her brain which bled severely, causing catastrophic damage. We never imagined we’d be thrown into something so devastating, but the support we received in those darkest moments was life-saving in every sense of the word.

The Snowdrop Suite at Alder Hey

When Flossie died, the Snowdrop Team took us into a private, peaceful space—a part of the hospital dedicated entirely to bereaved families. The Snowdrop Suite gave us somewhere to grieve, cry, talk, and most importantly, spend time with our daughter. There are two family suites which consist of a kitchen, sitting area, and a beautiful bedroom where we could visit Flossie every day until she came home. There’s also a remembrance garden, a quiet and comforting space where we could just be with her.

The staff were nothing short of incredible. They held us up when we felt like we couldn’t stand. The team gently guided us through things no parent should ever have to face— police interviews, coroners, registering her death, even finding a funeral director. they still support us now. On the days when grief crashes over us they are just a phone call away. Without them, I don’t know how we would’ve made it through.

The Alder Centre

The Alder Centre is another lifeline. It’s a place for anyone affected by the loss of a child—no matter their age. Here, we’ve found so much support, counselling, understanding, and a community we never knew existed.

After losing Flossie, I wanted to start moving my body again for my mental health and to try keep busy, but… every postnatal class involved having your baby with you. How could I go to those without my baby?💔 how could I explain to a new instructor at the gym I’m postpartum but by baby isn’t here 💔 That’s when the Alder Centre stepped in and offered a special postnatal Pilates class for bereaved mums. It was exactly what I needed. Jenni, our instructor, is amazing—she brings empathy, strength and even laughter to a room full of grieving mums. I have made some incredible friends here.

We’ve also found a weekly group called "Cuppa and Cake" where families like ours come together to cry, talk, remember our children, and even laugh again. These people have become our friends and look forward to seeing them weekly. It’s inspiring to see each family on their journey of grief 🥹✨

Every time we visit the Alder Centre, there’s something new—new groups, activities, or therapies being offered. It’s amazing, because grief isn’t one-size-fits-all, and they really understand that.

One thing both me and Mike have found especially helpful is the holistic therapies. I’ve loved having reiki, reflexology, and facials—they’ve given me a moment of calm in the chaos. Mike’s really benefitted from the massages and reflexology too. They offer everything from acupuncture to cupping, Bowen therapy and more—the therapists are so well trained that there’s always something different to try, depending on what you need that day.

They’ve also been a huge support in helping us guide Henry through this loss. As parents, it’s so hard knowing how to explain death to a child, especially when it’s their baby sister. The Alder Centre has helped us talk to him about what happened to Flossie in a gentle, age-appropriate way. They’ve offered therapy for Henry and even a support group just for siblings—which has been such a gift.

Before this happened, we had no idea these services even existed. But they are vital. They kept us afloat when we were drowning in grief. And they only exist because of fundraising.

So we’re running (and climbing, bouncing, slipping!) in Florence’s name—to honour her memory, and to help make sure other families facing unthinkable loss have this same support.

If you can, please sponsor us. Share our story. Help us raise awareness and keep these amazing teams going.

Thank you so much for reading and supporting.

With love,

Ami, Mike, Henry and Our Angel Flossie 💔