I’ve decided that now is the time to take part in my first ever Great North Run. My husband Tom and I have entered together and we have chosen a specific charity that is close to our hearts. We feel honoured to be representing them.

The Miscarriage Association has been providing support and guidance since 1982 and was founded by a group of people who had experienced miscarriage or baby loss. The M.A is a national charity that offers support and information to anyone who is affected by not just miscarriage, but also ectopic and molar pregnancies. They work with health professionals to encourage good care with workplaces to promote compassionate policies and with the media to raise public awareness of the facts and feelings of pregnancy loss.

1 in 5 pregnancies will end in miscarriage. Unfortunately, mine was one of them. When we had discovered my pregnancy, we began planning and preparing for our lives as a family of three, only to have our happiness cruelly and unexpectedly taken away from us, with no explanation as to why this has happened. We first learned about the Miscarriage Association through leaflets given to us from the nurses at our hospital, providing information on how you may be feeling after your miscarriage and why it might have happened. I was shocked to learn how common miscarriages were. I also became aware of the range of emotions that may come with pregnancy loss. Some people may feel disappointed, some may feel shocked and confused, and some may feel heartbroken. Every experience is valid and every pregnancy matters, from conception to birth.

Your sponsorship will help the Miscarriage Association to provide support and information to anyone affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy. It will support their work with health professionals and researchers to improve care and information as well as helping to raise public awareness of the facts and feelings of pregnancy loss and of the Miscarriage Association as a source of help.

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to read this and for any donations; your donation, however big or small, will make a huge difference and will ensure that Miscarriage Association continues the amazing work that it is renowned for. The information I received from them was invaluable and helped me to accept my grief and move forward with my life. I made the decision to run for this charity not just for me, not just for my husband Tom, but for every single parent who has experienced baby loss. Because not only do we grieve the loss, we also grieve what could have been.

Thank you for your support.

Jess x