I'm hoping if you're reading this you know me, and possibly my wife Heather.  You might also know that Heather and I have a 3 year old son, Arthur (in addition to my older children - Andrew, Katie and Abbie - can't miss them out!).

What you may not know is that before Arthur came along, Heather had multiple miscarriages, and the initial excitement of expecting a baby quickly turned into a dread-filled experience.  Where many people during their pregnancy are busy preparing for their arrival, we couldn't look beyond the next week until we were firmly into the later stages  just so we could have more confidence that the time was right to get ready.

It's hard.  Telling your family, who's first news of a pregnancy is that you've just lost one.  Telling colleagues (or not) what you've gone through, and having to explain it over and over again.  Not understanding why this happened, and whether you can ever have a full-term pregnancy.  Seeing your friends growing their families.

The thing is, it's not unusual to experience miscarriages.  But despite the likelihood that you will know someone who has been through the loss and upset of one or more, it's also likely that you might not know about it.   This is where the Miscarriage Association can help, through its forum and helpline, sharing other people's experiences, and advice ranging from how to manage other people's reactions through to support for partners of the women.  The association provides invaluable support and reassurance to women at one of their most difficult times.

I'm taking part in the Brighton and Hove Triathlon this September to raise money for the Miscarriage Association.  And as part of the preparation I'll be having my legs waxed for the first time.  It's a triathlon thing, but I've heard it can make you faster and with my current performance I need all the help I can get.  I'll post pictures of both events to reassure you that your donation really is being earned!

Thanks for reading, and hopefully donating - whether it's for the sporting encouragement or the thought of a painful and probably futile attempt to shave seconds off my time.

Paul