FOUR mums from the Forest are taking on the Three Peaks Challenge in memory of a baby who died 10 years ago.
To mark what would have been his 10th birthday, Kelly has organised the fundraiser in aid of Sands – the stillbirth and neonatal death charity – which supports anyone affected by the death of a baby, working to improve the care bereaved parents receive, and promoting research to reduce the loss of babies’ lives.
The challenge involves climbing the three highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours.
Kelly said: “On June 7 2006 I gave birth to my beautiful son, Preston. He was one in a million, the most precious gift. Preston was born without a small bowel; the true extent of his condition was discovered at two days old after surgery confirmed surgeons couldn’t help him.
“I was one of the lucky ones - Preston was with me for two whole days packed full of cuddles. Thousands of parents do not get to experience these most basic of things with their newborns. Preston passed away peacefully in the only place I wanted him to be – in my arms.
“Thousands of women each year suffer from stillbirths and neonatal deaths; an experience no family should have to encounter. In what can seem like the darkest moments, support and experience from charities such as Sands are not only invaluable but truly lifesaving.”
The mum-of-three will be joined by her friends: Samantha Buchanan, Becky Hurcombe and Laura Green.
Kelly added: “This challenge will be no easy feat but we are all more than looking forward to training and pushing ourselves forward in order to raise funds for this wonderful charity and for a little boy who changed my life forever.”
The women are tackling Ben Nevis (1344m, Scotland) first on Friday, June 24 and then travel to Scafell Pike (978m, England) before finishing at Snowdon (1085m, Wales).
You can donate at www.justgiving.com/Threepeaksforpreston/
•ELEVEN Monmouthshire County Council staff are also tackling the Three Peaks Challenge in June to raise funds for a care home sensory garden.
The 11 – most of whom are employed in the council’s social care and health sector – want to help create a safe and inspiring garden for Chepstow’s Severn View residential home.
Severn View is a home for older people and many live with dementia. When complete, the residential home’s garden will allow active involvement including gardening, enjoying wildlife, strolling the specially-designed walkways or taking tea with friends and family.
Other fundraising activities include growing a beard over six months, auctions, raffles – to name a few. To donate visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/SevernViewWithOutdoors