Most of us don't much like talking about death. If possible we'll avoid thinking about it too. When my husband and I arrived at hospital on 8th April 2011, more than ready and excited to meet our beautiful daughter, death could not have been further from our thoughts, which were full of new life and our new role as a mummy and daddy. But the next day, our precious Gwen died in our arms, 30 hours after she was born. You can read more of Gwen's story here.

It’s hard to put into words the agony and bewilderment of living on in the new, terrifyingly different world we suddenly found ourselves in after Gwen’s death. Everything we knew and had always taken for granted seemed to have crumbled away. We were fortunate to have amazing support from friends and family who grieved with us, but they too felt helpless in the face of a loss that could never be ‘fixed’.

No-one can take away the pain of grief and separation, but the wonderful charity Child Bereavement UK can provide truly practical support at this terrible time and in the weeks, months and years of grief that follow. They support families and educate professionals when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement. You can read more about their great work on their website - you'll find the link on the right of the page.

Three years after her birth and death, Gwen remains at the centre of our family and our thoughts. As her pushy mum, I’ve always wanted Gwen to have a positive impact on the world. That’s why I’m raising money in her memory by taking on a challenge which is going to be a real toughie for me. 

When I signed up to ride the Coast to Coast, I hadn’t cycled further than the town centre. When faced with any kind of slight upward slope, I’d get off and push. I didn’t own a single piece of lycra. Now I seem to have committed myself to riding 130 miles across the country in an area that is known to be ever so slightly hilly… 

I'll be riding in a group over three days from Workington on the West coast to Tynemouth on the East coast, taking in some steep climbs in between! I am really nervous about just how this is going to feel for my poor legs, and other parts of me for that matter, but I know it will be worth it and that Gwen will help me out when the going gets tough.

So please, if you can, sponsor me and Gwen on our challenge this summer. Your money will be going to a supremely worthy cause that is very close to our hearts.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.