Laura Starley
Fundraising in memory of Rose Starley
Fundraising for Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity
Story
On the 24th January 2017 our much wanted second daughter Rose was born still at 27 weeks and 2 days. I was nearly 7 months pregnant and just a few days away from the third trimester. The time since her death has been incredibly difficult and sadly we have since learnt that although it is rarely spoken about stillbirth is very common. In the U.K 1 in 200 babies born after 24 weeks are stillborn and 80 per cent of these deaths remains unexplained. It is even harder to comprehend Rose’s death after a healthy and uneventful pregnancy. Because little funding is put into researching these deaths the U.K has some of the worst rates of stillbirth in the developed world.
Rob and I are therefore now dedicated to raising awareness of stillbirth and supporting SANDS – stillbirth and neonatal death charity. Alongside researching ways to reduce these high numbers they give invaluable support to families who have lost their much loved babies. From the designated bereavement suite they have funded for both Kent hospitals to the memory box we have full of Rose’s photos, fingerprints, and other precious items we will cherish forever. They also provide bereavement training to midwives, online, telephone and face to face support afterwards at a time when the grief is utterly lonely and isolating.
Therefore alongside my best friend Alexia we are aiming to complete the South Coast Challenge on the 26th August. This involves walking from Eastbourne to Brighton over one day, 54km (33.5 miles) with Rose in our hearts to raise money. Please give what you can or if at all possible
come and support us at our fundraising cake sale on Saturday 10th June at the Kennington Scout Hut - Lower Vicarage road, 2-4pm.
We will remember and love Rose always as our beautiful daughter so please do not be afraid to mention her name as she is and will be forever a part of our family. Despite going through this devastating time we are still so very proud of her and not mentioning her can often be more upsetting.
For our Rose and all other babies who didn't make it home.
Stillborn and Still Loved.
https://www.sands.org.uk/support/bereavement-support/family-and-friends
Rob and I are therefore now dedicated to raising awareness of stillbirth and supporting SANDS – stillbirth and neonatal death charity. Alongside researching ways to reduce these high numbers they give invaluable support to families who have lost their much loved babies. From the designated bereavement suite they have funded for both Kent hospitals to the memory box we have full of Rose’s photos, fingerprints, and other precious items we will cherish forever. They also provide bereavement training to midwives, online, telephone and face to face support afterwards at a time when the grief is utterly lonely and isolating.
Therefore alongside my best friend Alexia we are aiming to complete the South Coast Challenge on the 26th August. This involves walking from Eastbourne to Brighton over one day, 54km (33.5 miles) with Rose in our hearts to raise money. Please give what you can or if at all possible
come and support us at our fundraising cake sale on Saturday 10th June at the Kennington Scout Hut - Lower Vicarage road, 2-4pm.
We will remember and love Rose always as our beautiful daughter so please do not be afraid to mention her name as she is and will be forever a part of our family. Despite going through this devastating time we are still so very proud of her and not mentioning her can often be more upsetting.
For our Rose and all other babies who didn't make it home.
Stillborn and Still Loved.
https://www.sands.org.uk/support/bereavement-support/family-and-friends