Sunday 11th September 2011

A new Chesterfield charity is fundraising hard in order to buy a valuable piece of technology which will help parents of stillborn babies to have more time with their child by preserving the body for long enough for families to say goodbye.

SANDS Chesterfield, set up by a group of mum's locally who have all lost a baby, say that the 'Cold plate' will give much needed comfort to parents and are hoping to raise the sum of around £1,500 in order to purchase one for Chesterfield Royal Hospital as soon as possible.

And yesterday, to help raise much needed funds seven young Chesterfield girls donned their walking boots and completed an eight-mile walk in order to help families in the town who suffer the agony of stillbirth.


The Mayor and Mayoress (back row) with Louise Hopkinson, Melanie Stubbs, Kelly Page and Sam Birds and the girls (front) Charlotte Thompson, Courtney Richards, Bethany Hopkinson, Courtney Hopkinson, Kiarna Walsh Petts, Brooke Page and Megan Stubbs

The 11 year olds, who attend Netherthorpe and Bolsover schools, walked from Mastin Moor to Chesterfield Town Centre (above) and back to raise money, and awareness, of the 17 babies a day that die at birth in the UK.

Twins Bethany and Courtney Hopkinson organised the event today to raise money towards a plate in memory of their brother who was born in 2009. All the walkers were wearing badges today bearing the little boy's image.

They told The Chesterfield Post when they stopped for a break outside The Crooked Spire just why the cause was so close to their heart, "We're doing this for the SANDS groups (Stillbirth and Neo Natal Death Society) in memory of my baby brother Archie who was 35 weeks when he passed away. We were very sad", said Bethany.

They have done amazingly well, raising a staggering TEN times more than they expected, or hoped to, though sponsorship as Bethany explained, "We set a target of £150 - we have so far raised £1,046 by doing this today."

She told us who was behind the event, "It was me and Megan and Courtney who decided to do it - and walk to town from Mastin Moor and back."

Her sister, Courtney said, "We've really enjoyed it, now though we have to walk back."

Their Mum, Louise Hopkinson walked with the girls and she said that she was delighted with what they had done, "I'm very proud of the girls, a proper proud parent - I'm proud of all of them, it was all their idea."

A bereaved mum herself she told us just what a cold plate would mean to families like theirs, "A cold plate would mean that the parents will get the few precious minutes with their baby - it helps preserve them."

She told us her own story, "I was 35 weeks pregnant and I suffered a concealed abruption, which meant that I bled internally. I was rushed down for a caesarean - I didn't think there was anything wrong - just that his heart rate had dropped. When I came round they said that he'd not made it - he'd passed away somewhere between running out and theatre."

Losing a baby is a devastating time for families says Louise but they will always remember Archie, "It had an absolutely massive impact on my family but they all dealt with it so well. We'll never ever let him be forgotten, we involve him in everything, Christmas, Easter and everything. We trim his grave up and buy him presents, just like he's not left."

She's immensely grateful to Sands and what they do, "When I had Archie there was nothing. There was counselling at the hospital but I didn't really want to go back so soon. Nicky does so much, all in her own time and it's fantastic. Without the donations, you won't get the extra support. Sands are really good."

Nicky Whelan, Chair of The Chesterfield group was waiting to greet the girls as they arrived and she admitted that it was an emotionally charged moment, "I'm very proud, it's an emotional day today. The girls are doing such a wonderful thing which will help so many families, I don't think they realise what a massive amount of money it is and what it can do for us. We've only been going for 6 months and Louise and her family have only just found us and, to do so much in a short space of time is amazing.

"It will mean so much. It's such a sad thing to have to talk about but it does happen and for the parents and families that are in that position, it will give a few more precious minutes with their baby which will be priceless and provide memories that they'll treasure forever".

The Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield, Councillor Peter Barr and his wife Jean were also there to greet the girls. Speaking to The Mayor as they lined up for photographs, he told us that they should be very proud of themselves, "It's fantastic. It's a big walk from Mastin Moor to here and they're still full of energy!

"They understand the emotional side of stillbirths so it's really, really good. So many times, children do see a situation and think what can I do and many times they use their initiative and help. It's a brilliant achievement."

Sands Chesterfield has recently launched it's new helpline, and they can be reached on 07432 387725.

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