I am taking part in the Snowdon by Night Hike Sands (stillbirth and neonatal death charity) to help raise funds to support bereaved families and research into saving babies' lives.

Hi, my name is Angela, some of you may know me as just Ange. I am going to take a leap and go and attempt the Snowdon by Night Hike, on the 18th May. I've never hiked and definitely not at night, so, here we go.

Down to the serious bit, this is our story. I had what you call a normal pregnancy, and I carried to full term. Beresford was born by caesarean section on the 5th of February 2019, and he was taken straight to the neonatal unit for monitoring and tests, due to lack of movement. He was immediately wrapped in a cold pack for 3 days to reduce the seizures he was having. Amongst the list of other causes, he did suffer from Acute Placental failure, which caused respiratory problems and dangerously low levels of oxygen.

After days of difficulties and not knowing what was going to happen, we were then told that the likelihood he would suffer from neurological or developmental difficulties caused by Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. As hard as that was to hear we just wanted him home where he belonged. But on the 20th of February we are told that there was nothing more they can do and just like that, we were given ‘that’ decision to make. As painful as it was on the 23rd of February at 2:30pm my husband and I held him tight, and we said our goodbyes. I would like to thank ALL those who supported us and came to meet Beresford on that morning at the hospital, you know who you are.

Sands helped and supported us with monthly group meetings, engaging in chats with other bereaved parents through the Sands Online Community and much, much more. So not only that I am raising money for Sands, but this hike is in the name of our beautiful son, Beresford. 5 years on and WOW time has flown. I will be flying his name up high, to touch the skies and I am looking forward to it.

As painful as it was to write this, and this was brief. I can honestly say, I know this may be very distressing for anyone reading this who has been through a similar experience, but you are not alone. Please talk about your babies, shout even, shout your babies’ names aloud because I will when I make it to the summit on the highest mountain in Wales at 1085m.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for whatever you can give.

Ange x