On the 16th May 2018 our lives changed forever when I gave birth to our daughter Francesca silently. Without the help of SANDS I wouldn't have had a 'good experience' in the weirdest possible way. My midwifery team were first class, I gave birth in a bereavement suite and I had a memory box that the midwives helped create memories for. I've talked to many ladies who haven't had the support that I had which breaks my heart as this is hard enough to go through when you do have help, so I can't imagine what it would be like without this. SANDS provide training to the NHS and midwives on how to deal with child loss, they also fund the bereavement suites and produce the memory boxes. In my box was blankets, jewellery, teddies and clothes for Francesca along with memory keepers such as hand and footprint kits. They also have a photo album that the midwife and parents fill with lots of pictures and I will be eternally grateful for these memories of our baby girl.

So my wish is simple, I'm approaching her due date - 12 September with something to keep focused for and also to raise money to help the amazing work that SANDS do.

Much love,

Xxxx Donna and all of Team Francesca xxxx