Back in 2020, during the height of the Covid pandemic, I gave birth to my beautiful twin girls. It was not a happy occasion and it was memorable for the wrong reasons. Symptoms of postnatal depression came almost instantly, and in a world that demanded isolation and confinement, I felt this immeasurably, on a hospital ward alone, with two crying newborns.

After returning home, 5 days later, I became a victim to my mental state. They tell you that newborns = no sleep and I knew this from my eldest. I did not know how much the lack of sleep would affect my mind. I begged my mum to “take the girls back where they came from” and would say “I don’t want them!” without a hint of hesitation. As hard as that is to think about now, I meant every word at the time.

I was identified as a high risk of post natal depression early through my midwife, and as such, I had help almost immediately. This came in the form of the Black Country Perinatal team. I would look forward to these appointments, I knew I could be honest and say how I was feeling, without being judged. They came to my house, they listened, they learned about me and they helped me. They got me access to nursery nurses, taught me baby massage and, most importantly, the medical care I needed. Its no exaggeration to say, without them, I'm not sure I would not be here today.

The service I am raising money for is not only under-funded, but under appreciated and sadly, still stigmatised. We are desperate to be seen as ‘perfect mums’ with perfect families, the reality is a lot different. I am one of the lucky ones, I had an incredible support network, there are many who don't.

On May 10th 2025, I will be taking to the skies and jumping out of a plane to raise money for these incredible people who gave me my life back. I will not be counting down the days with excitement, in fact, I am terrified, but I will gladly face my (ultimate) fear if it means another mother in my situation gets the help she needs and deserves.

Ally x