So this month it will be 10 years since we had to say "Goodbye" before we even got to say “Hello” to our little Lucy, who paved the way for the beautiful family we have now.

It feels like such a long time ago now since we held our little silent bundle in our arms. So much has changed with our lives, our grief is no longer as raw, but what never changes is how much we love and miss her.

I’ve been wondering how to mark this anniversary, so I was delighted to find out that this year’s appeal at work is ‘Lost Little Ones’. Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity is raising funds to improve the bereavement suite in the Maternity department at Leighton Hospital – it just felt like perfect timing to get involved with this cause.

The time we were allowed to spend in the original bereavement suite when Lucy was born was invaluable - we had imagined a lifetime with her, but now had to cram as many memories as we could in a few days. A double bed in the room meant John could stay and support both of us, the room was self-contained with a kitchen and private garden, which allowed us to hide away from the world whilst we tried to come to terms with our grief and huge loss.

When the Maternity Unit had its fabulous facelift, the room allocated for families going through this awful situation was made more clinical for functionality, losing the features mentioned. The new appeal aims to raise funds so that staff can carry out a wish list of improvements to the room and enhance the facilities to try and make the grieving families a little more comfortable whilst they are in hospital.

Seeing as I have been running (not with speed or even a shred of grace, but moving faster than my walking pace so I’d say running) I will be completing the Crewe Park Run (5k) on 5th October 2019 along with other staff members to raise awareness for the appeal and also a few pennies. I would really appreciate it if you could donate towards this appeal so close to my heart!