26 miles one step at a time: Nottingham charity’s push for better baby loss awareness

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 26 September 2024

Fundraisers dressed in pink and blue will make every step of a 26-mile walk in Nottingham count, when they take part in a baby loss awareness and fundraising event organised by local charity Forever Stars.

The ‘One Step at a Time’ charity walk on Friday 11th October 2024 is one of Forever Stars’ events marking Baby Loss Awareness Week (BLAW), an annual event, now in its 22nd year, which runs from the 9th to the 15th October.

Michelle and Richard Daniels created Forever Stars in May 2014 following the stillbirth of their daughter Emily on 19 December 2013. The charity is dedicated to supporting families living in Nottingham and the East Midlands who have suffered a stillbirth or infant loss.

“The ‘One Step At A Time’ walk is one of a busy week-long programme of fundraising events, from football tournaments and cake sales to workshops for siblings and our first-ever comedy night,” explains Richard Daniels, the charity’s Chair. “The walk is open to everyone, whether they want to join for just a mile, or complete the whole 26 miles. What is important is that those participating will be making a valuable contribution to a cause that touches the hearts of so many in Nottingham and the East Midlands.

“But it will be so much more than just a walk,” says Richard. “Firstly, the name ‘One Step at a Time’ symbolises the challenging journey that families endure as they cope with the loss of a baby. Secondly, the walk will be a powerful statement of solidarity with those who have experienced the devastating loss of a baby. It is also an opportunity for individuals, supporters and businesses to come together to raise funds for Forever Stars, making each step count as we walk together in memory of the babies we hold in our hearts.”

Walkers will meet at 6.30am at the Harrington Arms in Sawley, pass by several Nottingham landmarks and the charity’s key supporters, including Beeston Marina, Nottingham Forest Football Club, Trent Bridge, and Holme Pierrepont, finishing the 26-mile marathon walk at the Boat & Horses pub in Beeston Rylands.

“We have around fifty people so far registered to take part in the walk,” he adds, “and everyone is welcome - there’s still time to sign-up and take part.”

As a charity that supports families impacted by baby loss, BLAW is a particularly important week for Forever Stars, as Richard explains:

“BLAW shines a light on the devastation of baby loss - one in seven pregnancies end in stillbirth and one in four in miscarriage - and our passion to work to improve awareness of baby loss, and the specialist support and services that Forever Stars provides to those affected by it.”

Richard explains Forever Stars’ programme of events during BLAW offers something for everyone:

“Our annual Charity Shield football tournament in association with local business John Pye is on Sunday 13th October, and it’s always enjoyable and often competitive, for players and spectators alike.

“Our inaugural Comedy Night is on Monday 14th October. This will be an unforgettable night of laughter, and because we believe that when life gives you lemons, it’s time to laugh until you cry, this ‘Make Lemonade’ comedy night is all about forgetting the stress and laughing loud. We have the hilarious Scott Bennett as the evening’s MC, and award-winning comedians Duncan Oakley and Barry Dodds making appearances,” he says. “Special thanks must go to Dan Barnett who is organising the One Step at a Time walk, Julie Oldwill who dedicates herself to BLAW every year, and our army of amazing volunteers who make BLAW the success it is and enable us to do so many things during the week.”

All funds raised by Forever Stars during BLAW will go towards the charity’s 10th birthday campaign project, Supporting 1 in 4. Richard explains:

“Ward A23 at the Queens Medical Centre is where around 10 families per day visit when they are having a miscarriage. The demands on the ward are huge but the resources for families are very limited, so we want to completely revamp their treatment rooms, garden and waiting room, as part of our 10 year anniversary, to reinforce our core values of supporting local baby loss families from hospital through to the community.”

Forever Stars’ full programme of events for BLAW 2024 is:

• Wednesday 9th October – Chasing Stars Quiz Night, Wollaton Sports Association
• Thursday 10th October – Cake Sale, Forever Stars Serenity Centre, QMC Nottingham
• Friday 11th October – Pink & Blue Day, and One Step at a Time 26-mile fundraising walk
• Saturday 12th October – Siblings Workshops and Plant a Pink or Blue Flower
• Sunday 13th October – Charity Shield with John Pye, Wollaton Sports Association
• Monday 14th October – Make Lemonade Comedy Night, Wellbeck Hall
• Tuesday 15th October – Wave of Light; light a candle at 7pm

Details of all events and information on how to purchase tickets are available via the Forever Stars’ website.

Forever Stars is a charity dedicated to supporting families living in Nottingham and the wider East Midlands who have suffered a stillbirth or infant loss. Its mission is to promote and protect the health of parents affected by stillbirth or other perinatal or neonatal death of their child or children, and in particular, to relieve suffering and emotional distress amongst such parents. A dedicated team of volunteers runs the charity, and fundraises and campaigns to improve the bereavement care for parents, families and their loved ones. Forever Stars was officially given charity status by the Charity Commission in England (reg no. 1156990) on 9 May 2014. Forever Stars is a member of the Baby Loss Awareness Alliance. For more information, visit the charity’s website.

Baby Loss Awareness Week (BLAW) aims to raise awareness of pregnancy and infant loss, to support families impacted by baby loss, highlight the importance of bereavement support and the need to improve pregnancy outcomes and save babies lives. It takes place from 9th – 15th October 2024. More information available: www.babyloss-awareness.org. This year’s theme is ‘Take Care of Yourself’ and Forever Stars will be helping families understand it is absolutely fine to feel how they feel and the ways we can take care of them.

Image: Michelle and Richard Daniels founded Forever Stars in 2014.

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