In 2016, my world changed in the quietest, loudest way imaginable.

My daughter Olivia died. That same day, we had to say hello and goodbye.

One moment I was preparing to meet her.

The next, I was learning how to leave the hospital without her.

Nothing prepares you for that kind of silence.

In the blur of grief that followed, West London Sands became my lifeline. They were the people who understood the language no one wants to speak, the language of baby loss. They sat with me in the darkness. They helped me breathe again. They reminded me I wasn’t alone.

This year, Olivia would have turned 10.

Ten years of wondering who she would have been.

Ten years of loving her out loud.

Ten years of carrying both heartbreak and magic at the same time.

So in 2026, I’m doing something bold.

I’m calling it 10 for 10.

I’m raising £1,000 for every year since she was born, a total of £10,000 for Sands. I’m doing it in true Olivia style, with fire in my belly, love in my lungs and probably a lot of sweat.

Over the year I will host, lead or participate in a variety of activities to help make this happen:

🏃‍♀️ Walk or run in competitive races and challenges (I'll share as I go)

💛 Create and host workshops, talks and raffles

🌟 Bring her annual June Kindness Calendar to life with a community twist

This isn’t just a fundraiser.

It’s ten years of love in motion.

It’s choosing action over silence.

It’s turning the worst thing that has ever happened to me into something that might hold another parent up when their world falls apart.

It’s shedding light on something that is so often pushed into the darkness and reminding others they do not have to hide. You are not alone.

Every single penny raised will go directly to Sands, supporting bereaved parents and families navigating the unimaginable.

Loss is universal. Legacy is a choice.

If you’ve ever loved someone fiercely…

If you believe grief and joy can live side by side…

If you believe pain can be transformed into purpose…

Please donate.

Share this page.

Offer your time, space, help or talent.

Cheer me on when my legs are tired and my heart is full.

This is Olivia’s 10th birthday legacy.

And I would love for you to be part of it.

With infinite love,

Mariana 💛