After a long self funded IVF journey (attempt one resulted in 100% failed fertilisation) Ryan and I got two beautiful embryos. Both were implanted on the advice of our consultant. After an agonising two week wait, we found out we were pregnant.

We had an early scan at 7 weeks and were over the moon to find out we had conceived our baby girl. We nicknamed her Rou (Ryan and Lou). She had a lovely strong heartbeat and was growing beautifully. I was feeling all the pregnancy symptoms and life was just incredible. At 9 + 5 weeks the light went out when I had a private scan and found out our beautiful baby's heart had stopped beating. I had had a missed miscarriage.

I have never experienced heartbreak like this. After an agonising 10 day wait, on the 9th of June I had a surgical procedure. At the hospital we got Rou's remains in the most beautiful memory box, as we were taking them to be cremated. The memory box we received was from a charity called Simba who donate these boxes to hospitals. It was beautiful and made a hard day better, by acknowledging to us that our baby mattered.

Once I physically recovered I decided for my mental and physical health that I wanted to do something to raise money for Simba. To give back to them in Rou's memory, so that other family's can have that special box. I signed myself up for a 5K at Bellahouston Park on November the 16th. I haven't ran for years due to my back and endometriosis, but I wanted to challenge myself. Challenging it has been! With the help of Couch to 5K I can now run for 28 minutes solid and I am 1 week from completing it. Although I have injured my hamstring so resting it just now. Come hell or high water I will run this 5K! If you can spare any pennies in memory of Rou I would really appreciate it. I know everything costs a fortune these days so even if it is 50p I'll be buzzing!

Much love xx

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Simba responds to the needs of those affected by the loss of a baby. We help families create precious memories with their baby and offer beautiful ways to honour and remember them, now and always.

Please visit our website at www.simbacharity.org.uk for information on our services and how your support makes a difference.