Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. We are raising money for both the Early Birth Association and Sands. Both charities are very close to our hearts and have helped us so much since the birth and death of baby boy Austin.

The Early Birth Association are a charity that supports and provides the Trevor Mann Baby Unit (where Austin was treated) with the very best equipment, technology, training and research in order to try and save the lives of some very poorly babies. Without this service, Hannah and I would likely not have been able to spend as much precious time as we did with Austin, and for this we will be forever grateful.

Sands is a charity that works in two ways. They are actively working to reduce the amount of stillbirths and neo-natal deaths by working with Government and healthcare professionals to highlight the issues. They also provide an invaluable service supporting bereaved parents by providing information, emotional support and a community in which parents like Hannah and I feel safe to talk and be heard. In particular I have found great comfort and enjoyment in joining the Sands football team for bereaved Dads. It has been a great to meet others that have gone through similar experiences, as it is oh-so easy to feel alone in grief. It has also provided a much needed outlet and a safe emotional environment for me.

The Challenge:

I am looking to cycle (with a few friends) the length of the South Downs Way, starting in Winchester and finishing in Eastbourne over 2 days. That's 102 miles off road and 3,800m of climbing. Its going to be tough!

The South downs is an area that means a lot to me. I have grown up with it on my doorstep and spent a lot of time walking and cycling sections, but never the whole lot. It also now has another special meaning as Austin is buried in a natural burial ground in Clayton, at the foot of the South Downs, with a view up towards the Jack and Jill windmills. This point along the route will serve as the perfect stop over point.

If you are able to contribute to these fantastic causes, it would be amazing, however great or small the donation. We would very much like the donations to be split equally between these 2 wonderful charities, so please donate to either charity as needed.

Thank you so much for your contribution, it means the world to us that you would choose to honour Austin in this way.

Simon, Hannah & Grace.