As most of you will be aware, our daughter Imogen McCafferty was born sleeping on 24th November 2018. Since that day, we have fought the heartache and pain that comes with losing a child to make sure she has remained a massive part of our lives and that she leaves her mark on this world.

One of the ways in which we have done that is through fundraising for SiMBA. The SiMBA charity has been a massive part of where we are today and how we approach our lives without Imogen. The memory box they provided us after Imogen was born allowed us to make memories that create a special bond with our daughter and will stay with us forever. Their ongoing support and kind words have also helped us to process that life changing time and allow us to know that we are one of many who have faced such a challenging journey and that we don’t face it alone.

Fundraising, has always been a way for us to connect back to Imogen and show our gratitude for the help SiMBA provided in those early days. It makes us proud that we can say we have donated over £10,000 in Imogen’s name however that also comes from the amazing friends and family, as well as people we don’t know, who have donated and supported us along the way, something we are very grateful for.

That leads me on to my next fundraiser, probably my most challenging to date.

On 23rd November 2024, the day before Imogen’s 6th Birthday, I will be running an ultra marathon, covering the 4 local football grounds in 4 Forth Valley, Falkirk, Alloa, Stirling and Stenhousemuir. Starting at home, I will make my way towards Falkirk Stadium, before taking the Clackmannanshire Bridge over to the Indodrill Stadium in Alloa. From there I will head in the direction of Stirling to stop in at Forthbank before doing the final leg of the journey and finishing at Ochilview, a run I’ve mapped out at about 31.5 miles.

I’ve worked hard over the last 7 weeks to get myself in a good physical and mental shape to know that I will dig deep and do this for my daughter and for SiMBA.

In a time still full of uncertainty, I ask if you can spare anything at all to donate to my page and help parents and families like us to get the support they need to see them through the most challenging journey.

Thank you for your continued support 🩷

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.