Three Peaks Challenge SANDS baby loss fundraiser

We will be taking on the Three Peaks Challenge in October 2023, to coincide with Baby Loss Awareness week. We will be climbing 3 mountains within 24 hours; Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Snowdon in Wales.

The challenge is split across three stages, with a total ascent of 3064 metres (9,843ft) and a distance of 26 miles (42km). Each stage is marked by the completion of a mountain, Ben Nevis at 1,345m, Scafell Pike at 978m and Snowdon at 1,085m.

We are joining together to raise money for SANDS - Still Birth and Neo Natal Death Society. They provided us with amazing support and hope, following the death of our children. We would love to raise as much money as possible, to help raise awareness and to help other families who are going through the most heartbreaking loss of all.

Laura’s Story

Laura was over the moon when she fell pregnant with her first child, a very much wanted and loved baby. The pregnancy went smoothly and all scans were perfect. Then, one day, out of the blue, Laura went into labour and lost a lot of blood. Her little baby was born, 12 weeks early. A much longed-for little girl named Charlotte. Initially everything seemed ok, however baby Charlotte began to display symptoms of kidney failure. Charlotte was rushed to Addenbrooks hospital for kidney dialysis. However upon arrival, the doctors realised that Charlotte was suffering multiple organ failure; all her organs had started to shut down. This had been caused by the placenta splitting open, during the labour, which made Charlotte lose two thirds of her blood. She had started to bleed to death which led to her organs shutting down. Charlotte died in her mummy’s arms, aged 2 days old.

Ciaran & Andrew’s story

Ciaran & Andrew were so happy and looking forward to starting a family and welcoming their first baby. At 35 weeks pregnant the finish line was almost in sight and everything was ready for their new arrival.

One evening Ciaran realised that she hadn’t felt the baby move much, so they went to the hospital for a check-up.

Then came the words from the Doctor that made their world fall apart “I’m so sorry, I can’t find a heartbeat”.

Ciaran gave birth to a beautiful baby boy called Bligh who was stillborn or “born sleeping”.

To walk out of the hospital without bringing home their baby was a pain like no other.

No cause for Bligh’s death could be found, which sadly is the case for around 60% of stillbirths in the UK.

Simons story

Simon was the proudest father in the world, when his beautiful baby girl Maisie was born. They had so many plans for the future. There were no complications in the pregnancy or the birth. Maisie’s hearing was tested after birth and Simon was shocked to be told that Maisie had failed the test. He hoped everything would be ok, but a month later Maisie was diagnosed as being deaf. Over the weeks that followed, Maisie fell unwell and ultimately taken to Great Ormond Street Hospital. Over the next four weeks, Simon was given the devastating news that Maisie had mitochondrial disease. His world was turned upside down when he was told that she would die as soon as she was taken off breathing support. Simon made the brave decision to take Maisie to a hospice so that she could pass away peacefully. Maisie died, aged 3 months, with her mummy and daddy beside her.

We’re raising money in aid of Sands (Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Society) and every donation will help. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us.

More information about Sands (Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Society): Sands supports anyone affected by the death of a baby, works in partnership with health professionals to try to ensure that bereaved parents and families receive the best possible care and funds research that could help to reduce the numbers of babies dying and families devastated by this tragedy.