It was the 30 July 2008, a beautiful sunny day at the start of the summer holidays.  Little did my wife, Carolyn and I know that by the end of the day, our life as we knew it, the life that we loved, the life that made us happy and secure, would disappear forever. Carolyn was at a friend’s house and had been enjoying a lovely day with our three children in their swimming pool. They were all tidying up ready to return home. They had replaced the cover on the pool, hung out their wet towels and had been back in the house for tea.  Jessica was playing in front of Carolyn and in the blink of an eye she was gone.  Frantically Carolyn and my twin daughters searched the house and garden calling for her all the time, expecting to find her up to her usual mischief. Their hearts were racing and panic was beginning to set in.  Then their worst fears were confirmed as Carolyn pulled back the cover of the pool.  Jessica, our little Angel had drowned, she was 21 months old.

The relationship between parent and child is unique.  The death of a child is an unimaginable loss that no parent ever expects to face, it leaves you searching for meaning and wondering how you will ever live life again in the face of such pain and anguish.

Somehow Carolyn and I have survived the last five years it has been a struggle and we miss Jessica with every heartbeat.

In our new unfamiliar life we have had the help and support of an amazing organisation called Child Bereavement UK. We feel this is such an important charity as none of us knows when in an instant our lives could change forever, be turned upside down, ripped to shreds and you are left not knowing who to turn to or where to go for help. Child Bereavement UK provides specialised support, information and training to all those affected when a baby or child dies, or when a child is bereaved.

Along with raising our other three beautiful girls, Carolyn and I do all we can to support the charity in terms of fundraising and raising awareness of the charity.In 2009 we held a ball. In 2010 people enjoyed a 50’s & 60’s night. In 2011 my wife and I completed the London Marathon.  In 2012 I cycled from London to Amsterdam.  In March 2013 Carolyn went dog sledding in Finland.

In June this year I am doing the London Nightrider, cycling 100km round central london throughout the night.

 

We have now proudly been asked to be Ambassadors for the Charity which we are thrilled about.  Never did I think that I would be so passionate about fundraising but the satisfaction and personnal achievement I have had from keeping my daughters memory alive and raising over £35,000 has been amazing.

We thank everyone that has supported us in the past and hope that you will continue to support us on our lifelong journey.

Thank you

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