This is something that’s always been on my bucket list but I’ve never been brave enough, then last week the perfect opportunity came along…..

Michelle (the group leader and Lead Midwife for Bereavement services in Barnsley) mentioned she was doing a sky dive and then said she had space on her team. We are raising money to support families during a loss from 20 weeks pregnant, which includes termination due to fetal abnormality, late miscarriage, intrauterine fetal death or a neonatal death. This is a charity very close to our hearts as we were a family that once needed that support. During the height of Covid we lost a baby girl, Rose, at 23 weeks. The most heartbreaking experience we have ever faced, especially having to tell Ted and Edie. Raising money to help other families going through this unimaginable pain would mean a lot. I’m doing it for Rose.

Ways in which the team will use the money is to help families create memories of the baby they have lost. Jaxon’s gifts and Henry’s Hope are two charities that support the bereavement service to create these memories for families.
Jaxon’s gifts-. Following the loss of their son Jaxon, Jaxon’s family felt one area of care that could have been improved was memory boxes for siblings. These beautiful boxes help families talk to the sibling(s) of the baby that has been lost, help explain what has happened but also provide ways to remember them including books to read together. Through their own fundraising, Jaxon’s family have also provided supplies, much needed equipment and soft furnishings to the Rainbow Room and the hospital memorial garden. The rainbow room has flourished with their involvement and generosity. They also, with help from the hospital chaplain, facilitate a memorial service in October. This is during ‘Baby Loss awareness week’. Providing a reading and hearts for families to write their messages which are hung on the tree in the hospital chapel all year round.
Henry’s Hope started following Beth and Andy’s loss of their son Henry. They provide free hand and footprint castings to families that use the service. Prior to Henry’s Hope this could cost up to £200. They also lead a peer support group and facilitate a Christmas memorial service. Their aim this year is to include a spring picnic. They provide a snack shack in the rainbow room and have ambitions to expand this to the neonatal unit as well.

Please be aware, the cost of each person jumping (£130 approx.) will be deducted from the funds.

Thanks for reading! Please support this amazing team and a cause that means so much to us as a family. 

Siobhan 🌹♥️