Running For Cuddles

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month, where parents remember, acknowledge and share stories of their tiny loved ones. It is also the month when I will be taking part in the annual Melbourne Marathon.

This year I will be attempting to run the full distance of 42.195kms. By the time October comes, I will be both physically and mentally prepared to achieve this and for further gratification, I have decided to fundraise for a very worthy charity. The Emerikus Land Foundation aims to raise funds and awareness for the purchase of Cold Cuddle Cots for hospitals Australia wide. Cold Cuddle Cots give parents choices and reassurance that they can spend as much time as they need with their baby. I cannot think of a more deserving Foundation to run in honour of.

An emotionally confronting topic, statistics show that pregnancy and infant loss affects the lives of so many families every single day. Slowing down the natural processes following the passing of an infant, a Cold Cuddle Cot gives bereaved families much needed and precious time to form memories and say goodbyes, but more importantly the special “hello’s”. With access to a Cold Cuddle Cot, families have the opportunity to validate the life of their baby.

I am so privileged to be a mother of 2 beautiful healthy girls, my youngest being the result of successful ivf treatments. It took a long time and was not without heartache, however at the end of each day, I can hold them tight and tell them I love them, a privilege so many families do not have. So here I am, in training over the next few months and with your help and support, I would love to raise enough funds for The Emerikus Land Foundation to purchase a Cold Cuddle Cot. At the time of establishing my fundraising page, there were five hospitals across Australia on a waiting list to receive one of these units.

Please visit www.emerikuslandfoundation.org.au and read the background story to see just how far the foundation has come and what they have achieved. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you on behalf of the many families that will benefit from your donation. Donations are tax deductible.