On the 18th September 2006, after a perfect and uneventful 9 months pregnancy, I went into labour.   At about 4am, with great excitement, Ian drove me to Chelsea Westminster Hospital.  Soon after arriving at the Labour Ward we found out that there was a problem with the baby’s heart beat.  Senior medical staff hurriedly came & went, with various heart rate monitors.   No one seemed to be smiling and then we heard the dreaded news;  that our little baby boy had died in my tummy.  It was absolutely heart breaking.  His nursery back home was ready, nappies, clothes, pram and car seat had all been bought.  We were beyond excited to start our new life with our first little baby. 

Despite the baby being dead, I still had to go through the birthing process. Ian and the midwife were awesome.   I pushed and pushed and 4 hours later our gorgeous little cherub came out.   We called him Jack Pasquale  We never heard him take his first gasp of air or feel his sweet breath.  We cried for hours, we held him, we cuddled him and took photos.  Outside of our rooms, we could hear all the other proud parents on the ward discussing their new arrivals, receiving flowers and joyfully chatting to their visitors.   For us, it was sheer sadness whilst we lovingly held our lifeless son in our arms.  Returning home that evening, empty handed was gruesome. 

On the 2nd May I will be skydiving to raise money for a charity called SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society).   SANDS helped support Ian & me during a very dark period.  I will be forever grateful to them.   If you can spare a few pennies, please kindly sponsor me.  Thank you for your kind contribution, however small.