Snowdrops - Supporting families through baby loss

In February this year we lost our little girl Sunny at 18 weeks. The day after we collected her ashes we went into lockdown and well....you know the rest. Laura turns 40 on November 11th and I think we'd all forgive her for not wanting to  be in the mood to celebrate. Celebrations just don't see appropriate for a year that continues to hurl curve balls at everyone. So what is appropriate? Laura gave birth to Sunny in the Snowdrops Suite. A quiet room set away from the happier cries of the delivery ward at Burton Hospital. From start to finish we were given exceptional care by the midwives there. They helped us bond with our little girl in the short space of time we had with her, knowing exactly when to step in and step out, they literally held onto Laura when I couldn't and helped us process what was happening along the way.  Always with a smile, always with a kind touch.  They continue to do their incredible work, supporting parents through baby loss during this pandemic and I can't imagine what that must be like. Whatever they are paid, isn't enough. In remembrance of our daughter Sunny and to mark Laura's 40th Birthday I would like to raise funds in order to buy certain items that the midwives have told me they need.  These small items are not covered by NHS budgets but will ensure they can continue to provide bereaved parents the level of care we experienced.  Now as most of you know, I've done my fair share of fundraising and I know people love to support big, shiny projects that make a big splash. However, it's often small and simple things that are overlooked and that often leave the longest legacy. These are some items the nurses have asked for..... 1) Boxes of soft tissues. As you can imagine - there are so many tears.  After the first 5 minutes standard NHS loo roll is sore and we were provided with some soft tissues given by parents before us. We'd like to buy a huge supply of tissues to be used by parents in our position over the next year. Storage is an issue for them but we will deliver them in instalments! 2) Photo printers and ink.  It's kinda weird but when your baby is born sleeping do you or don't you take photos? We were too shocked to know at the time. The midwives kindly arrange to take photos and print a selection to put in a beautiful box with a number of keepsakes that you can take home should you want to. There is no pressure, but as you can imagine, for many parents these images become treasured possessions. We wrapped Sunny in her big brother's shirt - it's my favourite photo. One tiny snapshot of the short time I spent with her. I am so grateful to the nurses for capturing that moment when I was incapable. So it might seem a little strange to celebrate a birthday by helping to wipe a strangers tears away but it's important for us to pay this forward. I know Laura would appreciate knowing some good at least has come from her terrible 40th year on the planet. She has endured so much and still manages a smile. I know this  fundraiser will give her an enormous sense of pride as we find ways to remember Sunny. I also have a lot of faith in you all as I know you have felt helpless at times, we appreciate it's hard to know what to do or say. Please leave a short comment for Laura's Birthday in the comments (you will be unable to comment if you select anonymous so public is fine, just please don't share on Facebook.) with any donations and I will show her on the day.  I will feedback to all donors what we have funded and any surplus funds remaining after purchasing items for Snowdrops will be donated to SANDS ( The Still Birth and neonatal death charity) who were also a constant source of support to us throughout.  Thank you all so much X "But I believe in Love And I know that you do, too And I believe in some kind of path That we can walk down, me and you So keep your candles burning Make her journey bright and pure That she'll keep returning Always and evermore Into my arms" Nick Cave