I am raising money for Sands in memory of my nephew Duncan. My sister Annie's story is below, thanks for taking the time to read it:

Annie's story:

'When I lost Duncan in 2009 it was a total shock. I had no idea what to expect or what to do and I felt completely helpless. 

I went through a full labour knowing my baby was dead, in a room on the maternity ward where I could hear other mums with their new born babies crying and the happy chat of people who had welcomed a new child into their family.

My midwife was lovely but inexperienced.  She told me afterwards that mine had been her first late miscarriage and she didn't expect me to deliver a fully formed baby.  When Duncan was delivered i was too frightened to look at him at first and the midwife took him away, when she brought him back he was in a box, similar to a shoe box and on a hospital sheet.  She left the room and I had no idea what to do, I didn't lift him as I was too scared and I never got to give him a cuddle - that is one of the biggest regrets of my life.  If I had had an experienced, trained caregiver there with me, they would have been able to tell me that I should cuddle him or even take a photograph.  I so wish he had been given to me in a blanket so that I could have held him and given him a kiss.  

SANDS raise money for research but also invest in awareness raising and creating facilities for bereaved parents like bereavement rooms in maternity wards and training for midwives.  I regret the way things were handled for me and I want to play my part in ensuring that does not happen to other parents.  

I have so far signed up for two half and one full marathon this year and I will be asking for support for SANDS in memory of Duncan at each one.

Sorry if you've found this hard, I am crying writing it but I am passionate about this charity and thank you for taking the time to read and donate.

Lots of love

Annie'