Rachel Harries
Rachel Harries' page
Fundraising for Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity
Story
Each year in the UK over 6,500 babies die just before, during or soon after birth- a staggering 17 babies every day. The UK has the third highest stillbirth rate out of 35 developed nations, but the question is why?
I have sat here typing and deleting, typing and deleting, but the truth is that no words seem to suffice to adequately describe the shattering affect that a stillbirth or neonatal death can have on families. Just as no words suffice now, nor do they seem adequate within the walls of the birthing unit; contraction after endless contraction in what feels like an eternity, only to be knowingly met with a birth of unfathomable emptiness. Or upon discharge, to a home once brimming full with hopes and dreams, for a new life taken before it could even begin. But the question is why?
The truth is that 60% of stillbirths are unexplained and too little research is being done to understand why. Research is desperately needed to understand why babies die so that better antenatal screening tools can be developed to identify babies at risk of stillbirth and save lives. Sands needs sponsorship like this, in order to continue such vital research, and similarly; to provide a lifeline of support to bereaved parents and their families in those dark early days.
On the 18th May, 7 of my Midwife friends and I will be donning our trainers to run the Manchester 10k. We will be raising money for Sands, a charity close to our hearts, and in memory of all the babies we have delivered asleep. I realise that these things can be a bit of a pest, and trust me ;)....I won't be running many more; so if you can spare pence or pound, anything will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Rachel xx
PS. DON'T FORGET TO ADD GIFT AID ;)
I have sat here typing and deleting, typing and deleting, but the truth is that no words seem to suffice to adequately describe the shattering affect that a stillbirth or neonatal death can have on families. Just as no words suffice now, nor do they seem adequate within the walls of the birthing unit; contraction after endless contraction in what feels like an eternity, only to be knowingly met with a birth of unfathomable emptiness. Or upon discharge, to a home once brimming full with hopes and dreams, for a new life taken before it could even begin. But the question is why?
The truth is that 60% of stillbirths are unexplained and too little research is being done to understand why. Research is desperately needed to understand why babies die so that better antenatal screening tools can be developed to identify babies at risk of stillbirth and save lives. Sands needs sponsorship like this, in order to continue such vital research, and similarly; to provide a lifeline of support to bereaved parents and their families in those dark early days.
On the 18th May, 7 of my Midwife friends and I will be donning our trainers to run the Manchester 10k. We will be raising money for Sands, a charity close to our hearts, and in memory of all the babies we have delivered asleep. I realise that these things can be a bit of a pest, and trust me ;)....I won't be running many more; so if you can spare pence or pound, anything will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Rachel xx
PS. DON'T FORGET TO ADD GIFT AID ;)
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