Our Story

When we received the news that Robyn had passed, words can’t describe the feelings we both had, it was all a blur, at a routine 35 week appointment the midwife referred us to Wansbeck for a reassurance scan where we received the devastating news.

Teardrop were on hand from the very beginning, from emotional support through the harrowing few days that came, to practical support through the birth and the days to follow. You never imagine what you might need during a time like this, but then you never imagine it will happen to you.

Thankfully for us, teardrop had provided a bereavement suite equipped with all we would need to spend precious time with our beautiful baby which was so important, we were so sad to learn that not every hospital has this. We left the hospital with a beautiful memory box full of keepsakes that would be a big comfort over the days/months/years ahead (and still is) and we have visited the beautiful memory garden that was funded and maintained by this amazing charity, a place of tranquility to remember and reflect.

We as a family have continued to keep in touch with teardrop through the many events they run and through the befriending service the offer, we would never forget Robyn, but teardrop provide us with some beautiful comforting occasions to share our memories with others.

The maternity services have since moved to the new hospital at cramlington and teardrop have moved with, they have two allocated bereavement suites there now to support parents through this sad time, something that we know first hand is so important.

We will never be able to put a price on what teardrop did for us, that is priceless and continues to be so and will do for as long as they are about.

However, Teardrop are a charity and to be able to continue to provide such amazing support to families who walk this path after us is of utmost importance to us as a family and is the reason I am running this event. Here are just a few ideas of what any money raised would go towards supporting:

To run a Support Group costs around £30 teardrop run 3 per month.

Training a befriender costs around £300 and this is an invaluable service.

Teardrop offer each family who experience a loss a leaf on the memorial tree which costs £5 per leaf.

Teardrop also offer a Heart in their Hand keyring to each family too these cost around £6 each.

They provide sibling and grandparents memory boxes, these cost around £6.95 each.

Literature for children and information leaflets for parents is provided which costs around £100 per year.

They hold 2 memorial services each year which cost around £100 each.

I hope this gives a flavour of the amazing and important work that the teardrop charity do and maybe an insight into how it makes a difference to the people who access it.

We would love you to help us support this great cause by donating any small amount in way of sponsoring me to get through this run!! Every single penny raised here will go to making a huge difference to unfortunately far too many families.

Thank you for reading :)

Bright Northumbria is the charity of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, providing support to the trust's hospitals and community services provided across North Tyneside and Northumberland.

The Bright charity allows us to fund better facilities for patients and their families, and support for our incredible staff - allowing them to provide the best of care that you need.

It is only through the kindness, generosity and hard work of our supporters raising vital funds that we are able to do more and more each year.