An incredible team of friends are hiking Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK, on the 1st of April 2023 to raise funds for the charity SiMBA who provide support to families affected by the loss of their precious babies.

Gemma and Sam's story,

On the 7^th of September 2022, Ruraidh and Arran Wilson were born prematurely at 24 weeks due to severe twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and placental abruption. Ruraidh was born that evening and passed away peacefully in the arms of his mum and dad, and his identical twin brother Arran was born sleeping shortly after.

It is hard to put in to words how the grief of losing a child affects every aspect of a family’s life, and that the realisation that the lifetime of memories that should be experienced, are brought down to a matter of days is an immense pain. In this dark time however, SiMBA were able to provide some light by providing a purpose-built family room within the Simpson Maternity Unit in Royal Infirmary Edinburgh for us to spend some time with our boys in a private and safe environment. Within those four walls, we were able to care for, read to, sing to and say goodbye to our sons. They were able to meet their grandparents, have family photos taken and cuddle their own hand-knitted bears from their special SiMBA memory boxes.

Because of this charity, we are able to have some of these treasured memories, which bring us some much needed comfort when the grief gets too big.

Within the last few months, SiMBA have been at risk of closure due to the financial pressures that are affecting so many people and businesses – and if you are able to donate even a small amount to allow this incredible charity to keep supporting parents in the darkest times of their life, know that you are giving someone a chance to make those memories.

In honour of Arran and Ruraidh.

Thank you - Gemma and Sam.

To find out more about the work that SiMBA do, please visit https://www.simbacharity.org.uk/

SiMBA responds to the needs of those affected by the loss of a baby. We help families create precious memories with their baby and offer beautiful ways to honour and remember them, now and always. We do this by providing precious Memory Boxes, refurbishing Family Rooms, installing Trees of Tranquillity, and coming together at special remembrance events.Please visit our website at simbacharity.org.uk for information on our services and how your support makes a difference.