At 17:03 on 5th June 2024, our little girl Freya was born sleeping just a few days short of 22 weeks. It was, and still is, a heartbreaking loss for us.

During the period of time directly after, the support offered throughout at York Teaching Hospital was exemplary, from the midwifes, consultants, bereavement counsellors to the ‘Butterfly Suite’, a room designed specifically for this scenario and the memory box which allowed us to make memories we will cherish for a lifetime. As has the ongoing support over the last year, be it the opportunity to attend monthly catch ups or their recent Easter Service.

In October 2024, for all the help we received, Imogen and I decided we wanted to give something back to those that helped us at our times of need resulting in the ‘Lyke Wake Run Challenge’ to raise valuable funds for York SANDS (Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Charity) who raised a significant amount of the money required for the development of the ‘Butterfly Suite’ and provide ongoing support to help others that have to go through a similar painful journey. The reaction we got was truly amazing and thanks to everyone’s kind generosity we managed to raise £5850!

With Freya’ 1st Birthday on the horizon, what better time to honour & celebrate her memory and support SANDS once again. This time by upping the 1 ultra marathon to 3! Starting on 2nd June, over 3 days I will be running from Newcastle-upon-Tyne (The city where Imogen and I first met) to Bishop Wilton (our current home), a total distance of 196km (121 miles).

Day 1 Newcastle Train Station – Worsall 72.1km

Day 2 Worsall to Thirsk 54.9km

Day 3 Thirsk to Bishop Wilton 69.1km

SANDS, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity, operates across the UK: supporting anyone affected by the death of a baby; working in partnership with health professionals to ensure that bereaved parents and families receive the best possible care; and promoting improvements in practice and funding research that could help to reduce the loss of babies’ lives.

We depend on the amazing energies of our supporters to raise the vital funds that we need to deliver the wide range of services that we offer. #TeamSands

Thank you!