My Story

On 14th June 2013 my world was shattered when my beautiful daughter, Darcy was stillborn when I was 38 weeks pregnant. 

In the weeks, months and years after Darcy died I was supported by an incredible charity called Sands. Following Darcys death when I was heartbroken, lonely and scared I attended Sands weekly support meetings with other bereaved parents. These meetings were a place that I felt understood and accepted as I grieved for my daughter. 

Sands have created a baby garden at Derby crematorium where bereaved parents are able to have their babies name written on a memorial. This garden is a beautiful, tranquill place for parents to go and pay tribute to their sons and daughters. 

I will be supporting Sands by running the TCS London Marathon 2026. The funds I raise will help support anyone who has been affected by pregnancy loss or the death of baby, as well research understanding why a baby might die. 

Sands is made up of staff and volunteers who work together to ensure that anyone affected by the death of a baby has access to compassionate, experienced support. They offer one-to-one and group support through various bereavement channels, local groups and Sands United football teams. They also have family and remembrance events and  provide virtual and physical bereavement resources such as memory boxes.

They work to save babies' lives by amplifying the voices of bereaved families and healthcare professionals, campaigning for change in policy and practice, and funding research to understand why babies die. 

I still miss Darcy just as much today as I did in the first few months after she died.  I long for the mother and daugther experiences that we will never share and every happy moment is tinged with an element of sadness as someone is missing.

I will complete the London Marathon 2026 in memory of my beautiful daughter whilst raising money for this incredible charity. I would be so grateful if you would sponser me. 

Thank you. xx

https://www.sands.org.uk/