Cycling Lands End to Telford 300 miles in 24 Hours, Why?

In May 2021 we found out we were expecting our third child a little boy to complete our family, Edward or Teddy to us. A day before he was due to be born by planned caesarean section in December 2021 at 37 weeks my wife noticed that Edward had not moved during the day.

We spoke to the hospital and was told to come up for a check even though we were in the following morning. After initial checks we were taken into a separate room. On going into the room I knew that something was wrong when the doctor and several midwives were present. The doctor initially said they had to check on this machine for his heart beat. Shortly afterwards the doctor told us I am so sorry there is no heart beat, this is the moment your life changes forever. There was part of me that felt they had it wrong and that when he was born that it would be fine.

The following day Edward was still born by caesarean. I think that's when it hit me, when I saw him being carried across the delivery suite wrapped in his towel and he was absolutely perfect I was broken the shear emotional pain that feels like you have been physically hurt.

The only thing we had to remember Edward was a memory box, some of which are provided by the Lily Mae Foundation which was priceless. We spent 3 days in hospital with Edward some special moments that we will be forever grateful for. I then had the awful task of having to tell my daughters that there little brother had died and that he wasn't going to be coming home when they had gone to bed the night before expecting to wake up with a new brother.

My wife and I spoke at length and decided that Edward would be buried in Cornwall near Lands End. Cornwall holds a special place to us and its where I grew up and we wanted Edward to be in a special place.

After the funeral I struggled as there was nothing for me to organise. Again the Lily Mae Foundation, with the Still Parents podcast was amazing and the support from their Dads and Grandads group helped massively.

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/james-gibney-say-their-name/id1549230104?i=1000604729573

Cycling is my escape and I cannot explain how much this has helped me since the loss of Edward, that time to be out in the fresh air seeing beautiful scenery / wildlife and getting back to nature helps me feel close to Edward.

A group of us will be taking on the massive challenge of riding just over 300 Miles in 24hrs on 1st June 2024 from Lands End and visiting Edwards resting place before riding to Telford Hospital where Edward was born to raise funds for the amazing work the Lily Mae Foundation does.

Any donations would be appreciated to help with the continued amazing work and support that the Lily Mae Foundation provides through memory boxes, 1-2-1 baby loss support and support for men to name a few.