Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. I'm aiming to walk 400,000 steps during August to raise money for The Compassionate Friends, a charitable organisation of bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents, providing support to others who are similarly bereaved. I'm also doing this challenge to help sponsor a poem that I have written which will be part of an anthology of poems written by bereaved parents (and which will also help raise money for The Compassionate Friends once it is published).

My eldest daughter Jessica was born with half a working heart. She battled through several heart surgeries during her life (including one while she was still in the womb) but sadly died unexpectedly a few months after her final planned surgery. She was six and a half years old. Jessica might have only had half a working heart, but it overflowed with love. Her godmother referred to her as a "joy carrier" which is the best description of a little girl who had the biggest smile and who brought sunshine to all who knew her. She was a wonderful big sister to Sophie and was very excited about being a big sister again but sadly never got to meet her baby brother Thomas. We miss her more than words can say.

The Compassionate Friends have helped give us a space to talk with other bereaved parents, to share our experiences together and to know that we are not alone. We have found their online support groups particularly helpful during lockdown and are thankful for all they do to help bereaved families like ours.

My target of 400,000 steps during August works out at just under 13,000 steps a day. My average daily step count for July was just over 9,000 so this is going to require a lot more effort!! I would love it if you would help support me in this challenge by donating to The Compassionate Friends.

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.

I'll keep you updated with my progress throughout the month!

Louise x