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Fundraising for Sands - Saving babies' lives. Supporting Bereaved Parents.

My wife and I's lives changed forever with the news in November 2022 that in nine months time, we'd bring new life into the world; starting a exciting new chapter in our lives as a family.

In the coming months, we'd discover that we'd be expecting a little girl; the daughter I'd always dreamt of - I was elated as it was all I'd ever wished for and it would soon be coming true.  We soon settled without argument on the name Kira referencing a character from Star Trek Deep Space Nine, and Ann as a nod to my mum and father in laws sister.

The months flew by, and thankfully our pregnancy was deemed as low risk as all our tests and scans continued to provide reassurance that everything was ok.  We noticed a lack of movement and were promptly invited to the Princess Anne Hospital for assessment.  Our world came crashing down with the devasting news in the early hours of the eighth of August that no heart beat could be found.

Kira Ann Davies was born sleeping at 05:40 on the eleventh, when my wife and I met our daughter for the first time and we became a family transitioning to being mum and dad with our beautiful little girl.  We were able to spend five days enjoying every moment together with Kira, making so many memories that will last us a life time.

The humanity, care and support offered to us throughout by all the midwives at the hospital was exemplary, and without question the most exceptional care we have ever received.  We subsequently discovered the various charities that support bereaved parents, and had already helped us.  Given the emotional whirlwind that engulfed us, I wanted to undertake a positive act to celebrate Kira and quickly took the decision that anything I could do to contribute toward supporting any future family, as those who have come before have supported us was so vitally important.

The Rotary Club of Romsey organise the annual event 'Walk the Test Way' and I've opted to walk the maximum length of the route of 25.5 miles from St Mary Bourne to Romsey Crossfield Hall.  More details can be viewed via the following link: Learn about the Rotary Walk The Test Way Charity Event which allows participants to fundraise for any charity of their choice, with transport to the start point and marshalling provided for the event.

I've never walked such a distance previously, but with the memory of my daughter to support me I will have the determination to see this through with the comfort that my efforts will support other families through the pain and trauma of such a life changing experience of losing a baby.

80% of the donations raised will be given the charity of my choice, Sands - whose aim is save babies lives and support bereaved parents.  A family receives the same devastating news we did on average every two hours in the UK, given the grief we have experienced then anything that can be done to reduce other families enduring the same is now very close to my heart.  The balance of 20% of the donations raised support the Rotary in administering the event and their charitable activities.

I would welcome with thanks your donation in support of my walk in the knowledge that the funds raised will contribute toward reducing baby deaths and supporting bereaved families, a subject normally shrouded in silence.

In October, please consider getting involved with the following annual event;

Baby Loss Awareness Week – Break the silence around baby loss