I’m Lindsey. Probably the least fit person ever, so naturally I’ve decided walking miles (again!) is a good idea.

I’m taking on this challenge to raise money for Elsie's Moon - a charity I never imagined I would one day create.

In 2018, we were preparing to welcome our daughter, Elsie, into the world. She had the most wonderful pregnancy. We travelled America with her growing away happily in my tummy, dreaming about the life we were about to begin together. The car seat was strapped in, the hospital bag was packed, and her Moses basket was waiting in the living room ready for those sleepless newborn nights.

Then everything changed.

Elsie was born on 3rd August 2018 after a labour that went from 0 to 100 in no time at all. She was taken to neonatal, the chunkiest baby in there, and she passed away the following day.

Before Elsie, we didn’t know this happened. We didn’t know there was a whole community of families surviving this kind of heartbreak every single day. In the weeks and months that followed, we began to see not only the devastation families face when pregnancy or birth doesn’t follow the plan, but also how little support there can be around them locally.

After another loss following Elsie, we knew we wanted to do something. We wanted families to feel held following any loss, from the moment they see those two lines on a test, through pregnancy, birth, and neonatal. Different journeys, but none without heartache.

We never intended Elsie’s Moon to grow the way it has. Sometimes it still doesn’t feel real. How is this our reality instead of watching our daughter grow up? But on this path, we have met the most incredible people. We’ve made friendships we never would have found otherwise. We’ve heard stories and journeys that will stay with us forever.

Elsie’s Moon relies entirely on donations. Every single penny goes directly back into supporting families who need us.

Last year, due to lack of funding, we had to pull back parts of our support and focus only on the main priorities. This year, we want to rebuild those arms that scoop families up when they need it most.

I honestly cannot explain how much every £1 means to us. We know times are hard. We know every charity is asking for help right now. But even the smallest donation makes a huge difference to the families we support.

And if nothing else, please picture me - wildly unfit, probably blistered, definitely complaining, trying my absolute best for our little girl.

Thank you for supporting us, for remembering Elsie, and for helping us continue this work in her name.

We love you to the moon and back