Goodbye to Chris' beard for Still Aware

On the 23rd of May 2020, my wife Jackie and I lost our daughter Charlotte Rose at 29 weeks. Charlotte was born still, but absolutely perfect in every way. Our hearts will forever be broken and we will always dream about the life we would have had together. Jackie and I only ever intended on having one child, it was a massive commitment for us to make and not one we took lightly.

The support we have received since our loss has been absolutely incredible, but in particular, our guardian angel midwife Kristy Wiegele was nothing short of incredible. Kristy is the person who has inspired me to start fundraising for Stillbirth awareness. It took me some time to feel ready, but also to pick the charity I felt the most connection with. Still Aware is that group.

I am a university lecture and am in a position where I meet a lot of people. For this reason, I feel well-positioned to raise funds for Stillbirth awareness. It feels silly to type this, but I intend on shaving the beard I have grown for more than 6 years. This is something that has become part of my identity and I feel would garner enough interest for people to donate. It may not be a huge gesture, but it is something I think can get peoples attention.

Stillbirth is the leading cause of death in Australia under the age of 14. In Australia, one in every 137 women who reach 20 week's gestation will have a stillborn child. Just over 6 stillborn children will be born every day. Unfortunately, in indigenous women and other disadvantaged groups, this risk is often doubled.

Still Aware was founded and is still lead by a bereaved mother, dedicated to ending preventable stillbirth through education and awareness in pregnancy. Do you want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money in aid of Still Aware Limited and every donation will help. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

For more information regarding Stillbirth within Australia please visit Stillbirth Australia Facts.