Why We Are Participating in the Sands 90K in September Walk

TW – baby loss, birth trauma

My everyday life is pretty busy and I would usually struggle to fit in walking every day. However, in September we are planning on doing more walking. And with school starting, we will be walking to and from school twice a day.

As a family, we also try and get out in the evenings, for a walk with our toddler. It benefits everyone and it tires her out. A win-win for everyone. As much as I sometimes just want to sit on the sofa instead. We need to make the most of the lighter evenings, whilst we can.

It’s time to dust off my fitness tracker watch, wear our T-shirts & proudly support an amazing charity. 

Why am I raising money for this charity?

I’ve written on my blogs about my struggle with birth trauma and the anxiety of having a child. I’m thankful every single day that we have a healthy little girl. But I’m acutely aware that the birthing process can be dangerous for all involved. Nobody is able to predict the outcome. You have no choice but to surrender total control. We found ourselves in an emergency situation during birth and it was scary. For me, this makes it the most vulnerable and traumatic experience I’ve ever gone through. But time does heal. And I no longer suffer with the emotion I attached to this event. Whilst I will never forget the experience and it shapes my decisions to this day, it no longer negatively impacts me. However, the trauma of birth did impact me for a few years postpartum.

I write this in many of the blog posts across my sites – my thoughts, hugs, and love are with anyone who has suffered a loss or extreme mental and emotional distress due to birth. 

Let’s take a look at the stats

Sands and Tommy’s recently responded to the latest ONS stillbirth statistics. You can find more details here.

My history of raising money for charity

In the past, I’ve run a 5k mud run for Bliss, which is another baby charity doing amazing work. I’ve also written a blog post about running and the great mental health benefits this gives you.

Support for baby charities is vital

I understand that not everyone can afford extra cash right now. We are in the same boat. But any little bit you are able to give to this charity is massively appreciated. The care for sick babies and bereaved parents is vital.

Get walking this September! Walk 90k in the month of September and raise vital funds so that Sands can continue to support bereaved families at the toughest of times. Together we can continue to do all that we can to stop families from experiencing this devastating tragedy. 

Sands.org.uk

How are we getting ready for our challenge?

I will update you all at the end of September, hopefully showing you some lovely photos of our journey. And some of the great walks we went on.

T-Shirts at the ready

Can we all just take some time to appreciate the lovely T-shirts we were sent as part of our fundraising pack?

Count those steps

I will be counting steps on my phone because it is always with me. My hubby will be using his fitness tracker watch and we will total the amount of steps at the end of the month. We have a lovely chart to track our progress; filling it in with the little one is fun.

A plan which means small steps (pun intended) add up to a bigger goal

Everything I do in my life involves small steps, which add up to a bigger goal. Given my recent mental health struggles, which highlighted the need to focus on my well-being and positive thinking. It’s even more important to break down life’s bigger challenges. This challenge is no exception.

Giving to this wonderful cause

If you want to give something to this wonderful cause, please visit this link to view our fundraising page. Thank you so much for all your support.

Until next time

Lookout for updates on social media, where you can follow our walking progress:

TikTok

Instagram

And we will be providing an update at the end of the month.