Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am helping raise money together with Stourbridge TLC bereavement group who offer support and comfort to anyone who has experienced a loss. Details of this group will be at the bottom of the page for those wishing to reach out. We are hoping to raise funds towards a second maternity bereavement suite at Russells Hall Hospital. 

This is a cause very close to my heart as me and my husband Pete lost our first born son Lincoln in May 2020. After a very straightforward, low risk pregnancy we were so excited when I went into labour. We went into hospital knowing the moses basket was waiting set up by our bed and the car seat fixed in the car ready to bring home our baby. Things didn't work out that way for us as Lincoln was born with an infection and went without oxygen after he was born. They treated him on NICU  but ultimately we had to make the heartbreaking decision to remove life support for Lincoln. I will forever be grateful to the amazing staff at Russells Hall maternity who took care of us. We were fortunate to use the existing bereavement suite where Lincoln was brought to us to spend time together. It was our own little private space where we could block out the rest of the world and make the most of the time we had with Lincoln before and after he passed. Going through childloss is one of the hardest things to go through but our experience was made as good as possible because of the wonderful care we recieved. The sad truth is that this room is in high demand. There are those unable to use the suite when it is already occupied. This can mean families going home instead of having time to say goodbye so they avoid listening to the cries of other babies on the unit. 

Another family involved with the fundraising is Lyndsey and her husband Alex who also experienced the tragedy of losing a baby. This is their story:

It was at the 12 week scan that our world fell apart, when we were told our baby was very poorly. A few weeks later the day after Boxing Day our beloved Joshua was born sleeping at 16 weeks. We found ourselves saying goodbye to our very much wanted baby, it was the hardest thing we've ever had to do. Thankfully we had a private room far away from the maternity unit where moms were giving birth to living babies. Having a room to ourselves made an awful situation more bearable, it gave us the time we needed as a family. I remember when they told me I’d have to give birth to my son sleeping, the first thing I said was ‘please not on the maternity ward.’ I’m so grateful that there was a room available for us, but I know for some moms that’s not always the case. That's why this campaign is so important.

Please give as much or as little as you can. Buy a raffle ticket or just donate as every little bit is appreciated. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Stourbridge TLC bereavement group, Chawn Hill church. Run by Anita Tollerton tel: 07964858349

For those entering the raffle - this is a non commercial, not for profit event to raise funds for Dudley Group charity specifically for maternity bereavement services.