Ned's 20th Anniversary 24 hr Tennis-athon

The photo you see was taken the week Ned died of cot death in July 2003. At eight months old, we don't know what happened to him but we like to think he was having such a beautiful dream he forgot to wake up. Ned was truly a happy and healthy boy, smiley and funny; an equal contributor to our gang of six. Adrenalin follows tragedy then shock, a disease in itself. And Don and I had Jemima (7), Jack (5) and Maisie (2) to prioritise followed switfly by Leo to bring into our rocked world. Our family that you see today has been strengthened at its foundations by the work of CBUK in those early dark and bleak months.

From midday on 3rd June to midday on 4th the six of us will be playing tennis at home for 24hrs non-stop. Two of us have to be on court at any one time and we are not allowed to sleep except cat nap down by the court. For anyone who wishes, please do come and support by cheering on King of the Court. There will be a cash Pimms & Lemon Barley Water bar in the evening and a Bacon Bap & Coffee bar in the morning.

CBUK gave us the support and encouragement to talk about Ned, cherish his memories and celebrate his life. They were the essential cog in teaching us how to miss Ned, accepting our loss and learning to live alongside the uninvited devastation which shakes the very core of a family.

The funds we raise will enable CBUK to teach more professionals and further develop current ones working with families like ours who are facing enormous, unexpected confusion and uncertainty following the death of one of their members.