Due Date Dip in memory of Fionn

Hi, my name is Katie.

Earlier this year, my husband Thomas and I were overjoyed to learn we were expecting our first baby. We had never felt so excited or ready to embrace parenthood. However, 18 weeks into our pregnancy journey, our world was turned upside down when we heard the heartbreaking words no parent should ever have to hear—there was no heartbeat. On June 9th, our beautiful baby boy, Fionn, was born.

It has been an incredibly difficult year for both of us, as well as our families. As we approach what would have been Fionn's due date, the weight of our grief feels even heavier. I've been dreading this milestone, but instead of allowing it to consume us, I want to turn this sadness into something meaningful. That’s how the idea for this fundraiser came to be—our "Due Date Dip," to support two baby loss charities that have made a huge difference in our journey: Féileacáin and the White Butterfly Foundation.

Féileacáin provided us with a beautiful memory box, which included a kit for Fionn’s precious hand and foot prints—gifts that became a lifeline for us in our darkest moments. Additionally, I’m currently working on organizing a tile-making workshop in collaboration with the White Butterfly Foundation for mothers in the south of Ireland who have also experienced loss. A proportion of funds raised through this event will go toward this special workshop.

We’ve chosen Traught Beach as the location for the "Due Date Dip," a place that holds a special place in our hearts. It’s where Thomas proposed to me, and it’s where I’ve braved the cold waters for other charity dips in December. It felt only right to honor our little boy at a place filled with such happy memories.

I invite you to join us for this special event on November 9th at 11 a.m. at Traught Beach, Co. Galway. We ask that you wear a white woolly hat in honor of Fionn. The more people who can join us, the more love and support we can share in his memory.

Thank you so much for your kindness, your presence, and any donations you can offer to these wonderful charities. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to others going through similar heartbreak.