Thank you for taking the time to visit this page and read Arlo’s story.

On Monday forth of October, our precious boy Arlo was born sleeping. Like many stories you read following a stillbirth, our pregnancy was low risk and I was considered fit and healthy. Despite having morning sickness for five months (cheeky Arlo), I really enjoyed my pregnancy and we couldn’t wait for our life to begin as a family of three. 

The Friday before, we took a trip to the Maternity Assessment Unit, as I was experiencing reduced movements. Thankfully, the midwife found a healthy heartbeat and we headed home trying to find ways to relax, just as the midwife suggested. The next day, I found myself doing all of baby’s favourite things to get him moving, but I had a feeling something was not right. We headed straight to MAU for another check up and it was in that moment our world stood still. It took a couple of doctors to confirm the devastating news that Arlo’s heart had stopped beating. We went back to the hospital on Sunday afternoon to start the induction process and a third ultrasound confirmed Arlo was a little baby boy – those strong Mallen genes! 

Once I had taken the tablet to start labour we were advised to go home and return 48 hours later. After a painful and heartbreaking 15 hours, our darling boy was born in the car on our way back to the hospital. We both get a lot of comfort from Arlo’s birth story, as together we brought our boy into the world. The day spent with Arlo was incredibly special and one we will cherish as despite the heartache, our baby was here, in his parents’ arms surrounded by nothing but love. 

In honour of Arlo, Jake and I will be walking/jogging 40 miles to represent 40 weeks of pregnancy on Sunday 9^thJanuary 2022. We hope you can follow us on this journey and help raise as much awareness and funds as possible. All fundraising will be going to the Mariposa Trust (the charity is widely known by its primary support division: sayinggoodbye.org) whose support reaches over 50,000 people each week and is run by the wonderful Zoe Clark-Coates. 

Zoe is on the frontline of campaigning for better care for bereaved families and dedicates her life to making positive changes for baby loss. She has been a beacon of light for us both during this very difficult time.  Jake and I knew about stillbirth, just not enough. Together, we aim to do all that we can in order to help any family that finds themselves on this heartbreaking journey. 

Arlo has touched the hearts of many and we are privileged to be his parents. 

Thanks again and lots of love, 

Ellie and Jake x

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