Rhian Morris and Matthew Proctor, both Bereavement Leads for Maternity Services at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) have set their sights upon conquering the three highest peaks in the UK, to show support to families experiencing pregnancy loss and in the process raise funds for the hospital's charity.  

Matt and Rhian will tackle the National Three Peak Challenge between 25 and 27 June 2021.
Together, the two face a feat of endurance climbing up the highest mountain ranges across the United Kingdom, including Ben Nevis (1,344m), Scafell Pike (978m) and Snowdon (1,085m).

To add to the challenge, the trek will take place within 24 hours. Organised activities such as the National Three Peak challenge incur a registration cost, which has been generously met by sponsors Molly Maid, a local cleaning company, and newly appointed Deputy Director of Midwifery at DBTH, Sarah Ayre. This means that every penny raised can go directly to the hospital's dedicated charity. All funds received will go towards further investments in the bereavement service, such as improvements to the environment and specialist rooms to give comfort for the families when they need it most.

Speaking about the adventure, Matt said: "We hope this challenge will highlight the work we do and enable open conversations around pregnancy loss, therefore helping others feel comfortable sharing their experiences. We recognise that everyone grieves in their own way so the service provides a person-centred, holistic approach ensuring the needs of the family are met in a range of ways. The bereavement service is available to families at any point in time, some find they are ready to come to terms with their loss years later, there is no set timeline when it comes to grief."

The bereavement team hopes that the trek will show strength and commitment towards members of the community who have experienced a pregnancy loss.

Rhian said: "We know the trek will be an emotionally and physically demanding experience and that was part of our intention when choosing the challenge, we wanted to do something to symbolise the uphill struggle that the families we support experience. They have to keep going, for themselves and the people they care for and at the same time deal with their grief."