Bereaved Middlewich mothers taking on Sands Starlight Walk

A group of bereaved mothers are heading on a lantern-lit walk to raise money and awareness for the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity (Sands).

Among them is Middlewich resident Lesley Palin, whose daughter Hannah was born prematurely 34 years ago.

Lesley, now 57, suffered pre-eclampsia, a disorder causing high blood pressure which resulted in her needing an emergency caesarean.

Unfortunately, Hannah passed away three days after birth and now Lesley is hoping to ensure that others who face a similar experience have the support they need.

"The work Sands do is a cause close to all of our hearts," Lesley said.

“I still think about Hannah, I have two children now who both have children of their own, I’m a grandmother.

“Fortunately for my kids they haven’t had to go through anything like I did, but Sands is still such an wonderful charity to support.

“So much has changed in 30 years and the chances are if Hannah was born today she would have survived.

“However, these things continue to affect people. So many still suffer miscarriages and stillbirths so I want to help make sure Sands is there for those who want a sympathetic ear to speak to.”

Lesley Palin, Kimberley Ollier and Julie Knight (Image: Supplied)

Lesley will be joined by Kimberley Ollier, Kim Wright and Julie Knight, all of whom have a personal connection to the work that Sands do.

Together they have raised over £600 for the charity and are hoping to raise even more when they head out on Wednesday (December 6).

Their efforts form part of the Sands Starlight Walk at Home, which aims to remember those who have been lost, with participants carrying lanterns as they embark on either a 5km or 10km walk.

The nationwide event was originally scheduled to take place on Saturday (December 2) but the group decided to postpone their walk due to the weather.

Sands was founded in 1978 and aims to offer support to bereaved families and fund research to help reduce the number of baby deaths.

Kim Wright (Image: Kim Wright)

Kim, whose daughter Olivia Hamilton was stillborn in January 2021,  added: "When I attended my midwife appointment I was told there was no heartbeat.

"Two days later I gave birth to my precious baby girl.

"My world turned upside down.

"This charity (Sands) helps people like myself thet through the toughest time of their life and for that I am always grateful."

Donations can be made via a Facebook fundraising page set up by Kimberley titled “2 Kims, Katie, Lesley, & Julie walking 5k in memory of Olivia Hamilton and all Angels”.