Isabel and I have suffered a devastating loss of our boy Otto. 

Otto generated such excitement in our second pregnancy, I was feeling semi-competent as a Dad and Bertie was to have the rounding of a lifetime sibling! The pregnancy took an unprepared turn in November and we were tormented in diagnostics until February. 

The diagnosis fell on a rarest of genetic conditions that asked us to answer the question no parent should have to answer. 

Each year, over 20,000 expectant parents a year are told that their baby may have a genetic or structural condition. ARC is the only national charity to provide non-directive information and support to parents, whatever decision is made about the future of the pregnancy.

We chose that we should take his pain, it has been harder than ever could of been imagined.

Otto was born sleeping, Sunday 20th February, Isabel was amazing.

I am taking this unprecedented challenge in Otto's name, I am not sure I'll be alive at the end but I promise you I will be at that start line.

£250 runs the helpline for a day – often the first contact for anxious parents. the helpline works 24/7 365 needing > £90,000 per year.

£50 will train a volunteer to provide support to bereaved & anxious parents. Expanding the team helps share the burden and enhances the support capacity of the charity.

Thank you.