We are raising money for Sands in memory of Emmeline Frances James, born sleeping on 4th October 2019. Sands is a wonderful charity that looks after heartbroken parents after stillbirth and neonatal death, works tirelessly to raise awareness about baby loss and carries out essential research to reduce the number of babies lost too soon.

This is Emmeline’s story, told by her mummy, Anika. Shine bright, Emmeline 💫

“On 4th October 2019 we lost our darling daughter Emmeline to stillbirth. There is absolutely nothing anyone can do to take away the pain of losing our little girl and the future we had planned together but Sands has made each step we have taken on this new path just that little bit more bearable. For that we are eternally grateful. Here’s how they have helped:

When we were told at midnight that Emmeline’s little heart had stopped we were sent away from hospital to come back for tests the next day. We were absolutely bereft, shocked and confused. All we had to comfort us at that time was an information pack from Sands. It was invaluable during that sleepless night.

After Emmeline was born we were moved from the delivery room to a Sands bereavement suite, set up like a home-from-home with a normal bed, beautiful bedding and comfy sofas. Thanks to Sands we were able to spend time with Emmeline in a cosy environment, which helped us to make some special memories before we said goodbye - reading her a story and singing her a song and taking photographs together, which we will treasure forever. Sands also supports the local volunteers who knitted Emmeline a beautiful dress, hat and blanket.

Since returning from hospital both my husband and I have joined the online Sands community forum and have taken some comfort from reading others’ experiences and knowing we are not alone. We have also joined a local Sands support group where we have met other parents who have lost their children.“