Thank you for visiting my just giving page.

I will be undertaking two challenges to raise funds for The Miscarriage Association who provide vital support to those affected by early baby loss from miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy. I have decided to do a skydive from 15,000 feet and walk 250,000 steps in October to mark baby loss awareness week. Sadly, 250,000 is the estimated number of pregnancies that will end in miscarriage this year.

After losing five babies ourselves, one being an ectopic pregnancy and then four through miscarriage, my husband and I know how important it is to receive the right emotional support and aftercare. Women shouldn’t have to go through multiple miscarriages before being given options to try to prevent them. As Director of National Centre for Miscarriage Research Prof Arri Coomarasamy OBE says: “There is no scientific logic behind waiting until a woman has had 3 miscarriages to provide care. We don't wait for someone to have 3 heart attacks to take them seriously.” Campaigns for better care for those who have had a miscarriage are in progress but more needs to be done. Please sign this petition https://actions.tommys.org/a/miscarriage-petition to help fight for care after every miscarriage and not only when you have had 3 in a row.

Things need to change which is why I have decided to break my silence and speak out to raise awareness of the emotional trauma suffered after miscarriage and to help others. This is a huge thing for me as I am normally a private person, but if it helps others see that they are not alone, and raise money for a good cause at the same time then it will be worth it.

Many couples who have lost babies in the early stages find it difficult to talk openly about how they are feeling as miscarriage has been considered as ‘just one of those things’ and has been brushed under the carpet with comments such as ‘it wasn’t meant to be’, ‘it happened for a reason’ or ‘at least you weren’t far along.’ There is a lack of recognition for your loss which can make you feel very alone.

For some the emotional trauma can cause anxiety and result in conditions such as post traumatic stress disorder. Not having the right support or care makes a traumatic time even harder for people. This is why I am raising funds for the Miscarriage Association to help them to continue to support those who have experienced early baby loss. The Miscarriage Association help people to acknowledge that it’s ok to grieve their losses and remind them that there is no right way to do this as everyone is different.

For those who have had multiple miscarriages and not been able to have children after it can be a difficult journey. I have written an article about our story and the difficulties some people face on their childless journey. If you are interested you can read ‘An unplanned life without children’ here.

I won’t lie, I am a bit apprehensive about the skydive and am also wondering how I will manage 250,000 steps in October as I will be sitting down most of the day doing an office job. However, I am up for the challenge and would be grateful for any donations to help this charity. 100% of your donations will go to The Miscarriage Association as I have paid for the skydive myself.

If you would like more information on the services provided by the Miscarriage Association please visit their website: https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/