In July 2024, I became the CEO for Simba, a charity supporting families who have lost their baby. Simba helps those grieving to create precious moments to honour their memory.

My awareness of Simba came in 2013 when we lost a baby boy at 23 weeks. I was given a lovely memory box from one of the midwifes who was caring for me. I would go on to receive another box after we lost a baby girl at 32 weeks some 2 years later. These 2 boxes provided a practical way of gathering as many memories as we could in the most difficult of times.

There was light at the end of our pregnancy journey, with a beautiful boy who turns eight shortly. He was 1 of 8 pregnancies I would have in a 6 year period.

So here I am, years later, and about to lead an organisation that has provided so much support and comfort to people in the most desperate of times. And whilst running a half marathon is not part of the CEO remit, I wanted to better understand the fundraising journey as well as running with my sister to remember my son and daughter, and all those babies who are no longer with us.

If you want to make a difference and help the Simba team to continue to ensure every family in Scotland receives the support they need following the loss of a baby, then please consider donating.

For more information on Simba Charity and the work we do, please visit: simbacharity.org.uk or visit our socials on Facebook; Instagram and Linkedin.