On the 4^th of May 1999 my baby daughter Nicole died. Two days later she was born.

You didn’t read that wrong. That is exactly what happened.She was beautiful, seven pounds two ounces, with tiny rosebud lips, ten fingers and toes and perfect in every way except for the tight knot in her cord that had cut off her life support as she prepared to be born and changed our lives for ever.

Grief is such a short word but anyone who has experienced it
knows that it is huge and dark and slow and hopeless. I was lucky, one of the doctors slipped a phone number into my hand as I blankly listened to him explain that I must go home and return to be induced the next day and that I must somehow live through the birth knowing that it was hopeless and fruitless and that nothing could bring her back.

That number was for SANDS-Lothians. They provide free
counselling and support for bereaved parents like me and even on that first day
they started to help me to cope with everything that had happened and
everything that was ahead.

They walked with me through those bleak monochrome days and
held my hand until I could see in colour again.

I am now on the board of SANDS-Lothians and I am delighted to
be organising this fundraiser on their behalf. It’s a knockout is a fantastic and fun way to raise the funds that they desperately need to continue their good work. Please put a team together and join us on the 27^thof August for a fun packed amazing way to give something back. Or if you cant make it please donate here. Thank you. 

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.