tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12791987815542987132024-02-19T03:16:50.718+00:00Charlies-Angel-Centre Foundation supporting bereaved parents and families
to rebuild there lives after the loss of a baby or child Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476798133416303890noreply@blogger.comBlogger306125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279198781554298713.post-75879872738758377882019-01-06T19:59:00.000+00:002019-01-06T21:04:44.756+00:00Happy New Year<span style="font-size: large;">Wishing you all a Happy New Year. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">2018 has been a fantastic year for the charity and we have achieved so much, none of which would have been possible without your help and support. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2019 has already been busy and looks to stay that way. We know we are going to be kept on our toes but we also know that it is going to be a very positive year for us and the families we support.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Please take a look at our first Newsletter of the year.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://shoutout.wix.com/so/c8MWEhK7e?fbclid=IwAR3-dJK_nLnx0vSPacprYZaQvcAcAf5e5YSvu_qN81iXZyNqClO2pH4_eUc#/main" target="_blank">https://shoutout.wix.com/so/c8MWEhK7e?fbclid=IwAR3-dJK_nLnx0vSPacprYZaQvcAcAf5e5YSvu_qN81iXZyNqClO2pH4_eUc#/main</a></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFseJW9rLwWFXcojsiKfgl1iIXcbX4y_gMnDPoiYra0j3b074htKbYzTsTczR8lxzFj76gcnR34WlV61-HyNKH2GQDKS89upBgkZppXqaXQ-UAnl70-YfSPdRyZWB-IAZGT-K7kVCF3Q/s1600/20195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="384" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFseJW9rLwWFXcojsiKfgl1iIXcbX4y_gMnDPoiYra0j3b074htKbYzTsTczR8lxzFj76gcnR34WlV61-HyNKH2GQDKS89upBgkZppXqaXQ-UAnl70-YfSPdRyZWB-IAZGT-K7kVCF3Q/s320/20195.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476798133416303890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279198781554298713.post-79969223169711151202018-12-23T19:53:00.002+00:002018-12-23T19:53:17.025+00:00<span style="font-size: large;">Thursday 13th December saw us host our 3rd Christmas Memorial service.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK596ScaYQmBeGR4WdSww5PqAYI9XhGreVcr7Cvbt0Ubw8pJWWEyVSlNfRlBG9tGXbYmofWGNMHEEBG_C_tmI_hvD1i6_ek6AntO2LqIbYANQxax7ZOzW0ohP4CeQ3uGOWc4VFCYZOJ68/s1600/48177996_1171478633018595_2905971311945711616_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="785" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK596ScaYQmBeGR4WdSww5PqAYI9XhGreVcr7Cvbt0Ubw8pJWWEyVSlNfRlBG9tGXbYmofWGNMHEEBG_C_tmI_hvD1i6_ek6AntO2LqIbYANQxax7ZOzW0ohP4CeQ3uGOWc4VFCYZOJ68/s400/48177996_1171478633018595_2905971311945711616_n.jpg" width="326" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Each year the event has been attended by more and more families. This year saw not only many new families that we have been supporting but also families that have been with the charity since the beginning. When we first thought of holding a Memorial Evening we were not sure if many people would attend but each year we have been overwhelmed by the amount of families that have come along but also the support we have been shown by them.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZJZKh_BJln8qr6cMeDwIpFmX3Thw9fqa-pfkrg7V9MgW6zjEJ68DaDlbQJNPHYY2cpbQUyu_l_0e2QzFrThWWAxJk1487ZMOUjbUH4oXIX13m5fu6YoyFs1qxOYaMcHTFO1NlXFMKI0/s1600/48281760_1167777446722047_1068117633045364736_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="731" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZJZKh_BJln8qr6cMeDwIpFmX3Thw9fqa-pfkrg7V9MgW6zjEJ68DaDlbQJNPHYY2cpbQUyu_l_0e2QzFrThWWAxJk1487ZMOUjbUH4oXIX13m5fu6YoyFs1qxOYaMcHTFO1NlXFMKI0/s400/48281760_1167777446722047_1068117633045364736_n.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The memorial has become a place where lots of us meet up to see how we have been through the last 12 months. It feels like a family coming together for their annual reunion. We start the preparation for the event much earlier in the year but November and the start of December becomes really busy for us as we begin to get the baubles and gifts ready for the night.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ntpr4ysOLLWieI1QwFMdmgzCtLL4gfwQXO3gyB0diY9W0yyt_9-TyMohnmK4ElaFvfCj4SA3Pa3yiDog5N-87QFJT4MFJtled5V_C9Xvw_n8NauubqISKK0t1KVeOT02TlM70X-tUX8/s1600/47577898_1171125803053878_6905870914441707520_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ntpr4ysOLLWieI1QwFMdmgzCtLL4gfwQXO3gyB0diY9W0yyt_9-TyMohnmK4ElaFvfCj4SA3Pa3yiDog5N-87QFJT4MFJtled5V_C9Xvw_n8NauubqISKK0t1KVeOT02TlM70X-tUX8/s400/47577898_1171125803053878_6905870914441707520_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iuzGKWcYtitINJgjCljCVGmjk3vLFIrqoBs019Vzuynq9eizwjInnZ0H_M3HM2HHH9_t5CFYOD8T9g2X2SkTNiEVf25ZZZvI3AlgmlJ2DDkxwqVHExP6uRM4iiqHq3yfpe6oJmJHgTo/s1600/46507633_1155360844630374_2917174094187200512_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iuzGKWcYtitINJgjCljCVGmjk3vLFIrqoBs019Vzuynq9eizwjInnZ0H_M3HM2HHH9_t5CFYOD8T9g2X2SkTNiEVf25ZZZvI3AlgmlJ2DDkxwqVHExP6uRM4iiqHq3yfpe6oJmJHgTo/s400/46507633_1155360844630374_2917174094187200512_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This year we made up many more baubles and bought lots more candles. The baubles are always a lovely way for the families attending to write a message to their angels, many leave them on the tree throughout the Christmas period whilst some take them home to put on their own tree. The tree always looks beautiful and it definitely shows how loved our angels are.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB60wYVZenFULrrX_9-TdSFYNjiPr4ewvhikwUTpf1nILloB8lH0s_JJI9joD3tlXUksPPmUS0H-NZWvFJ__QEDTov6BgJ6w6ZQbLrMqgfaAys3qMePSf36sdOAgWPHykYx2207lnqsMw/s1600/47684994_1171895636310228_863173226883186688_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB60wYVZenFULrrX_9-TdSFYNjiPr4ewvhikwUTpf1nILloB8lH0s_JJI9joD3tlXUksPPmUS0H-NZWvFJ__QEDTov6BgJ6w6ZQbLrMqgfaAys3qMePSf36sdOAgWPHykYx2207lnqsMw/s400/47684994_1171895636310228_863173226883186688_n.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigE678bikOuuGRcW8JzCrlUtOmGIUMPp78zfa6_K6t_jQJ8F65ZuCARBvgA_7pP6uIEHVkNCO4DRg4y3OVdxiEgVj7iVyRVewM9-WR2TwXqkeyt2Xbh-b8BjWupGFcusA-yFUgJOWNcAg/s1600/48084090_1171895679643557_3347719208124284928_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigE678bikOuuGRcW8JzCrlUtOmGIUMPp78zfa6_K6t_jQJ8F65ZuCARBvgA_7pP6uIEHVkNCO4DRg4y3OVdxiEgVj7iVyRVewM9-WR2TwXqkeyt2Xbh-b8BjWupGFcusA-yFUgJOWNcAg/s400/48084090_1171895679643557_3347719208124284928_n.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Every year we make up a small gift for each person who attends the event, it is our way of showing them that they are being thought of and that we understand how important it is to be there for each other through the toughest times of your lives.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This year we were very honoured to have the choir from local primary school, Windmill Music Academy, come along to start the evening by singing some Christmas carols. The children were fantastic and definitely a brilliant way to begin.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZ48n7FsECikf4_1oGLOQ19YIqu7zcZJPnUzYktJQgLeGVPOrYbuRv0c2XDlt1d54tjTA_pBTng1lZnOwrImH9xn2DPIg6lWYVcPookdR3jSepj4d5mUHIFvkhOS7f_fXQA1brvxexyk/s1600/48356531_1171895959643529_3925486373515034624_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZ48n7FsECikf4_1oGLOQ19YIqu7zcZJPnUzYktJQgLeGVPOrYbuRv0c2XDlt1d54tjTA_pBTng1lZnOwrImH9xn2DPIg6lWYVcPookdR3jSepj4d5mUHIFvkhOS7f_fXQA1brvxexyk/s400/48356531_1171895959643529_3925486373515034624_n.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7bFz7Tc0VSMH2vDqWMuuTvaOGGP9CBk8f2R3vnz4Ytb-4BDU8ROzC9Yy20ihGRdy45tn5W8lPc32SsyWYtKsINCOuDjS8l3vmxYxLg-prG73Os99syG7EQ_-YCKilR03858djxW1gqc/s1600/48359605_1171895886310203_1263806908670672896_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7bFz7Tc0VSMH2vDqWMuuTvaOGGP9CBk8f2R3vnz4Ytb-4BDU8ROzC9Yy20ihGRdy45tn5W8lPc32SsyWYtKsINCOuDjS8l3vmxYxLg-prG73Os99syG7EQ_-YCKilR03858djxW1gqc/s400/48359605_1171895886310203_1263806908670672896_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_jwXsGIY1Aj4wlIP59AuCr1kBWl67brzMb_TmdDPvSNelDTgO44sYqLp-y-PDQu0lkuzzxMChMNTFKf967oY9fGV6ESizfMXoJcbf5-bfBiuKV1LUwwQG84DpkTNV4f8WNLftJtu6HI/s1600/48270757_1171895859643539_2805950079196725248_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_jwXsGIY1Aj4wlIP59AuCr1kBWl67brzMb_TmdDPvSNelDTgO44sYqLp-y-PDQu0lkuzzxMChMNTFKf967oY9fGV6ESizfMXoJcbf5-bfBiuKV1LUwwQG84DpkTNV4f8WNLftJtu6HI/s400/48270757_1171895859643539_2805950079196725248_n.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Once the choir had finished Father Andrew said a few words before beginning the 'Roll of Honour'. This year we received so many names to add to our Honour Roll and if the families were not able to attend the event someone from the charity lit their candle for them. We also take pictures of the candles to send to those who couldn't make it to make them feel part of the evening. This year we lit 180 candles.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1uCjD4IPqe_Gj1ebgpKNlAaKiArv0EPf9yash8x_nykvRr0DiPBys6rHg3Son7wK7jTwoL-hsZjz7clNKgm4w0DUaErqFI-VK25liD3HknPpPJINqPaAMz7G6wpqYnOld0OtFguQlVA/s1600/48266866_1171895699643555_8521097007958327296_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1uCjD4IPqe_Gj1ebgpKNlAaKiArv0EPf9yash8x_nykvRr0DiPBys6rHg3Son7wK7jTwoL-hsZjz7clNKgm4w0DUaErqFI-VK25liD3HknPpPJINqPaAMz7G6wpqYnOld0OtFguQlVA/s400/48266866_1171895699643555_8521097007958327296_n.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIHDdgS_l8Sn9c39gY-i_8Tb12mg-IQgCs9N7FkZ_xPj_Q5Fq86D0JkUZ2OqYcfL2VxZ3Ppx2Iye2V2JS8xh4XpMLbBOq39xt93ub_FD4DtdaQ83nCe4a7299CLAi4Jpnr6LtkKE_pbo/s1600/48248979_1171895742976884_7345368114613190656_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIHDdgS_l8Sn9c39gY-i_8Tb12mg-IQgCs9N7FkZ_xPj_Q5Fq86D0JkUZ2OqYcfL2VxZ3Ppx2Iye2V2JS8xh4XpMLbBOq39xt93ub_FD4DtdaQ83nCe4a7299CLAi4Jpnr6LtkKE_pbo/s400/48248979_1171895742976884_7345368114613190656_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Once all the candles had been lit the lights in the church were lowered and music was played allowing time for people to have some quiet reflection time, prayer or just to think about their precious angels. It was very emotional seeing so many candles and knowing that each one represented a child that was no longer with their family. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We always have tea, coffee and juice available, and for the last 2 years we have been so lucky to have staff from Beaverbrooks the Jewellers donate their time to help at the event. It really does mean a lot to us when we have other agencies want to come along and help us and the families we support.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The evening is finished with a raffle, this year we had some amazing prizes donated.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xsptWzatOM0/XB_fk7gglBI/AAAAAAAACbc/R7Wa9NTvSso3UI_vef3nx55PHIzmyKZVgCEwYBhgL/s1600/46517515_1158328231000302_8414168870796918784_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="1600" height="92" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xsptWzatOM0/XB_fk7gglBI/AAAAAAAACbc/R7Wa9NTvSso3UI_vef3nx55PHIzmyKZVgCEwYBhgL/s400/46517515_1158328231000302_8414168870796918784_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKq4a6ChGFw2tGiJsIV4R_3FI9ViRz7lCoD6RANVoKEdQO0kS3dPat_4xsgl_DMNmcOO_wOsycGtDES2VpYKj3cKsLa_F_SbhV5DawbSLtbsYsS6smIUUg_vie5xRF3wMH5dUxgM2_1eM/s1600/48027359_10215214880180367_4028727221123284992_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="714" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKq4a6ChGFw2tGiJsIV4R_3FI9ViRz7lCoD6RANVoKEdQO0kS3dPat_4xsgl_DMNmcOO_wOsycGtDES2VpYKj3cKsLa_F_SbhV5DawbSLtbsYsS6smIUUg_vie5xRF3wMH5dUxgM2_1eM/s400/48027359_10215214880180367_4028727221123284992_n.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32NqxQtnMJzxA2jqnCMcGHkPQIx13h857RYfxBF-H8gGh_KNlcIf9DTuj4Qw_QaxHlLVKdZOYSkmaVj7lSOQVdMnXgjDSudKC_oCWZd5wf5_wU8b__g6q8Y99BJmHVL9sfibg1olNryA/s1600/43280891_1129117557254703_3094269086293557248_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32NqxQtnMJzxA2jqnCMcGHkPQIx13h857RYfxBF-H8gGh_KNlcIf9DTuj4Qw_QaxHlLVKdZOYSkmaVj7lSOQVdMnXgjDSudKC_oCWZd5wf5_wU8b__g6q8Y99BJmHVL9sfibg1olNryA/s320/43280891_1129117557254703_3094269086293557248_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2bhLzX2u9bM9znXLEFcdPmPcLJpY9L1J1LYrrcUtH5YdMJ9-t-aOl8MQsuQcvaQmT0hfTA5yDro-_aHrlU632k_nW2ru3qsi1Wfglc61NY8voU1CO_2vqWWSuVJNt1oM1rxLp2TNuq2I/s1600/46508604_1157295251103600_76706260480688128_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2bhLzX2u9bM9znXLEFcdPmPcLJpY9L1J1LYrrcUtH5YdMJ9-t-aOl8MQsuQcvaQmT0hfTA5yDro-_aHrlU632k_nW2ru3qsi1Wfglc61NY8voU1CO_2vqWWSuVJNt1oM1rxLp2TNuq2I/s400/46508604_1157295251103600_76706260480688128_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We would like to say thank you to everyone who came on the night and those that were unable to attend in person but were still part of the night. Without the help and support of all of you we would not be able to continue to offer the current services we do.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Fundamentally the evening is about remembering and honouring our special angels but through the raffle and other donations we were able to raise a fantastic £232.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2019 is already looking to become an amazing year for the charity and we hope you all join us at next years Memorial Service.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476798133416303890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279198781554298713.post-56163402269016237802018-11-21T20:31:00.003+00:002018-11-21T21:15:34.818+00:00A grieving family <br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Our family consists of a grieving mummy, grieving
grandparents, grieving uncles, grieving auntie & grieving cousins. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We are no
different to any other bereaved family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We all
grieve in different ways and at different times, sometimes we try to talk to
each and say how we are feeling, but the painful reality is our family will
always have one person missing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Each year,
at the end of September, begins a difficult process for us as this was the time
we found out about Charlie's condition. October and November consisted of
hospital visits, research and trying to be positive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We are human
and at times we all feel sad. There are the ‘what if's’ and ‘we wish things
could have been different’. We cry, we get depressed, but there's no shame in
feeling all of these things and asking for help if we need it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This year
will be Charlie's 6th birthday, every year on the 29th December we all get
together. We try to do something that Charlie would have wanted to do, we talk
about what he would be doing now, and what he would look like, this is
Charlie’s day and the only day we take off from the daily running of the
charity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Charlie will
always live on, his legacy we have created in his name has helped so many and
will continue to do so for many years to come. For such a little boy he has
made an enormous impact on the world.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCphELOpc_z_iK5wa0jBrSImi-ikHV7lGUsD58Bpi-W36zx7Mvg7VE2NUAF2AhJaa5x7jDB-wAouqWeTLGMgQkN634_wVM82CJe9s4wDXBL_OU1feU_WhS4qsAdsOJ1QiFa6LPuysYFp8/s1600/67-300x283.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="283" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCphELOpc_z_iK5wa0jBrSImi-ikHV7lGUsD58Bpi-W36zx7Mvg7VE2NUAF2AhJaa5x7jDB-wAouqWeTLGMgQkN634_wVM82CJe9s4wDXBL_OU1feU_WhS4qsAdsOJ1QiFa6LPuysYFp8/s1600/67-300x283.png" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476798133416303890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279198781554298713.post-63098801771335922892018-10-31T17:52:00.001+00:002018-10-31T17:52:09.562+00:00<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here is our last Newsletter for 2018. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://shoutout.wix.com/so/22MQijSjD?cid=c741e046-35ed-4974-9e3a-e95daa308071#/main" target="_blank">https://shoutout.wix.com/so/22MQijSjD?cid=c741e046-35ed-4974-9e3a-e95daa308071#/main</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for all of the continued help and support you have shown to us and the families we support. We cant wait to see what we will be able to share with you in our first Newsletter of 2019 in January.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If there is anything you would particularly like us to feature in our Newsletters please let us know and we will try to incorporate it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We are always looking for articles/stories to share on our blog. We would really like to hear some of your inspirational stories and sharing them with other families can help them to see that what they are going through is "normal". Grief/bereavement is never easy and the loss of a baby or child is the hardest. Knowing that you are not alone can sometimes make a huge difference and seeing that others have felt the way you have and have experienced those 'difficult thoughts' really can be therapeutic.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We are always happy and proud to talk about Charlie and always appreciate it when people want to hear all about him. We never tire of meeting new families and hearing all about their little ones and we understand how important it is to be able to talk and remember them.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you are happy to share your experiences you can email them to charliesangelcentre@hotmail.com</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476798133416303890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279198781554298713.post-59015236725959760312018-10-14T20:30:00.000+01:002018-10-14T20:54:46.056+01:00<span style="font-size: large;">This week saw the culmination of a years work come to life.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Over the last 12 months we have conducted a survey into the levels of support for families following the death of a baby. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We had 3500 responses from all across the UK. This meant that many NHS trusts were represented.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">From the responses we received it highlighted that 45% of the families described the support they got as 'poor'. This wasn't really a surprise to us as we are usually contacted by those families that have not been given help from the professionals who should have been there for them.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Throughout the survey we were in close contact with news reporter for Capital Radio, Bethan Davis. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Bethan has known us since the charity began in 2013,when she worked at Radio Aire, and really helped us to get our story out to the people of Leeds. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We were more than happy to work alongside her as we know she has been as passionate as we are about bereaved families getting the support and help they need when and where they need it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Bethan put in a Freedom of Information request to find out how many bereavement midwives there are across the country and what hours they are available. She spoke with several of the families we have worked with to get a good understanding of how poor the support can be. She also came to our office to see what we do on a day to day basis as well as getting an update from us all on how we think things are progressing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Initially Bethan was going to put out the story on Capital Radio in Yorkshire but she decided to approach her boss to see about launching it across the country. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Thankfully he said YES. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Tuesday 9th October was the start of Baby Loss Awareness week and seemed to be the perfect day to go live with the campaign. 6am on Capital Radio news the story began. Every news report on the hour throughout the day continued the campaign with interviews playing from the founder of the charity, Carrie Curtis, and other co-founders and trustees. There was also a phone in section for people to express their ideas and views.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The airtime this has given us is another step forward in our plan to get a bereavement midwife in every maternity unit across the UK.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you would like to have a read of the full report please click on the link below.</span><br />
<a href="https://cdn.fbsbx.com/v/t59.2708-21/43881675_382198505655308_4046259002747650048_n.pdf/Bereavement-Survery-conducted-by-Charlies-Angel-Centre-Foundation.pdf?_nc_cat=101&oh=c4aff13004789d7a26f8da8560cadc3d&oe=5BC536A7&dl=1" target="_blank">https://cdn.fbsbx.com/v/t59.2708-21/43881675_382198505655308_4046259002747650048_n.pdf/Bereavement-Survery-conducted-by-Charlies-Angel-Centre-Foundation.pdf?_nc_cat=101&oh=c4aff13004789d7a26f8da8560cadc3d&oe=5BC536A7&dl=1</a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">To hear some of the interviews aired on Capital Radio please click on the link below.</span><br />
<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.capitalfm.com%2Fyorkshire%2Fradio%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcalls-for-more-investment-in-bereavement-midwives%2F&h=AT0i2gLo0S641DLn_feN0iXehIkTQqFDN79CROkZsLU3xRh-IXUA8KuhrBAlEu8UI_NZ68vTRS9Jda3u5IKwG8hvTLG8mN2PTvgMbHT7WwgwYUKv2Td_EiUMHDYSF_L_pwNPaGfAQ6zDddGgN4JYgz6feU-NfGQMnv0oXPOL-izwvxC-Cg8HxFmM92Ez2q24nCymXlO-8R44AhSUL4Yb2l4pVZpSWtCmn5We1qmczIY2HxotVNkqEGVG3TDPRZvVTlb3qsMwAi5kn6mdOFsS7UEqfHLD1EKsyg6-VKMX-Qu8nTJzOi0wdt3WPedOwkqb_nwIZN1orp3WJI-2581lhaY1lAGaXJZggt1xLpK4G8BIY2c5sRUDbGrTPciJRAnWEbl3oiboQdzo-Za71KzUsNk77w7ZCQ" target="_blank">https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.capitalfm.com%2Fyorkshire%2Fradio%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcalls-for-more-investment-in-bereavement-midwives%2F&h=AT0i2gLo0S641DLn_feN0iXehIkTQqFDN79CROkZsLU3xRh-IXUA8KuhrBAlEu8UI_NZ68vTRS9Jda3u5IKwG8hvTLG8mN2PTvgMbHT7WwgwYUKv2Td_EiUMHDYSF_L_pwNPaGfAQ6zDddGgN4JYgz6feU-NfGQMnv0oXPOL-izwvxC-Cg8HxFmM92Ez2q24nCymXlO-8R44AhSUL4Yb2l4pVZpSWtCmn5We1qmczIY2HxotVNkqEGVG3TDPRZvVTlb3qsMwAi5kn6mdOFsS7UEqfHLD1EKsyg6-VKMX-Qu8nTJzOi0wdt3WPedOwkqb_nwIZN1orp3WJI-2581lhaY1lAGaXJZggt1xLpK4G8BIY2c5sRUDbGrTPciJRAnWEbl3oiboQdzo-Za71KzUsNk77w7ZCQ</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We hope that with all the extra publicity into child and baby loss that something will get done about the lack of professional support.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We will never stop fighting for better bereavement support and will always be there for those families let down by a system that should be there for them.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476798133416303890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279198781554298713.post-4050522850283166872018-10-02T21:30:00.001+01:002018-10-02T22:01:30.760+01:00<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Saturday 29th September saw us host our 3rd Charity Ball & Award Night. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Our Charity Ball is a beautiful and inspirational event which not only brings awareness of baby and child loss but it highlights the amazing people we have had the pleasure to work with. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">We like to use the event to celebrate the achievements that we have made over the last 12 months and also celebrate the achievements of others within the charity as well as outside agencies and individuals.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDx0pxg1OEm-As03KlDUBWtxViRinhcbByql5yJV7KfSiLe3g0aXT0EVzRmb-hVb68Cs0pEA_aoxTm9_UG9e8k2Ou1VAo-Hh3IT2MSoaLjj7S67rEjSLEba016oz75qUZZRkDeK4OLLTU/s1600/43080731_1127271944105931_4896706391856644096_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDx0pxg1OEm-As03KlDUBWtxViRinhcbByql5yJV7KfSiLe3g0aXT0EVzRmb-hVb68Cs0pEA_aoxTm9_UG9e8k2Ou1VAo-Hh3IT2MSoaLjj7S67rEjSLEba016oz75qUZZRkDeK4OLLTU/s320/43080731_1127271944105931_4896706391856644096_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdBUVNzOIfhAf3CZqIfZyTgFy5ReAd-C5KmUaQyurnXzJMmGN2XFackgu-tASu1NOxD0mnBBDvz7brvPcEmx-8NsBtg70FEGsB_cwUEPQlWjzax7KyWvANpspYs-NKwt2IG61X5-g3Og/s1600/42904108_1127271624105963_5829049169393745920_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdBUVNzOIfhAf3CZqIfZyTgFy5ReAd-C5KmUaQyurnXzJMmGN2XFackgu-tASu1NOxD0mnBBDvz7brvPcEmx-8NsBtg70FEGsB_cwUEPQlWjzax7KyWvANpspYs-NKwt2IG61X5-g3Og/s320/42904108_1127271624105963_5829049169393745920_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUyUW9rhedAVrnHLjOxGZC2m6f12LAAl2w0mv5vS1lntwKRCWHw5yKpam0sjgPabeBhqmF-E7d8HeZ2MRd-jQ8BaFfU34-toxGO6qXQyx1flVeZNw0tRso0pHqP053d9L1Iy9ktWUKhU/s1600/42908350_1127274930772299_1640718425225428992_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUyUW9rhedAVrnHLjOxGZC2m6f12LAAl2w0mv5vS1lntwKRCWHw5yKpam0sjgPabeBhqmF-E7d8HeZ2MRd-jQ8BaFfU34-toxGO6qXQyx1flVeZNw0tRso0pHqP053d9L1Iy9ktWUKhU/s320/42908350_1127274930772299_1640718425225428992_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">After a busy couple of hours on Saturday afternoon the room was all ready for the guests to start arriving.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We were really pleased to have photographers Chris & Jen come along to take pictures throughout the night.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYk7omSEQW4PgC5Invl8_bJKMEjCptiLkGithkYxf4n5tRm93ISihwCx9k7efnELBID-N8wW9KRv9uTKzKHfg2sjzCWs3eLW_L5y86M5x7oWrPoe6YyMWVpyY0TsJe_IVYJU-Dz9bDiA/s1600/43070588_1127270727439386_8739088983599874048_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="814" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYk7omSEQW4PgC5Invl8_bJKMEjCptiLkGithkYxf4n5tRm93ISihwCx9k7efnELBID-N8wW9KRv9uTKzKHfg2sjzCWs3eLW_L5y86M5x7oWrPoe6YyMWVpyY0TsJe_IVYJU-Dz9bDiA/s320/43070588_1127270727439386_8739088983599874048_n.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It still amazes us how so many people want to help us.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Guests were greeted with a smile and a welcome drink as they entered the venue quickly followed by their first photo opportunity.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglaTAm4OmXHoHub8YIgbDQq4TeASpdoI4baIak-AyY0cHWTVL2bNETd7t4Gu4WH0BQQpjDMhYSgE9AE7ksQrjo-aEPl9uDlFBtOHeXovX33Pg2e-J9Ce7uDeGS4JPZxfnfi7plR4oxE2Y/s1600/42851125_1127274817438977_8900698222012399616_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglaTAm4OmXHoHub8YIgbDQq4TeASpdoI4baIak-AyY0cHWTVL2bNETd7t4Gu4WH0BQQpjDMhYSgE9AE7ksQrjo-aEPl9uDlFBtOHeXovX33Pg2e-J9Ce7uDeGS4JPZxfnfi7plR4oxE2Y/s320/42851125_1127274817438977_8900698222012399616_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJCYDIeRM0iY9de-D5B6oDyTBgXTb1peY_mR5yurBe7d4wj7aJfrZAQBSN0M-3Atr42nrQFZw5noHocftBKDc9gl77z9IcExlXVzpaE78qFAzkIkAaY420wlHNfqmxG-Q_89ZpN36Muk/s1600/42837464_1127271694105956_7761836331503714304_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJCYDIeRM0iY9de-D5B6oDyTBgXTb1peY_mR5yurBe7d4wj7aJfrZAQBSN0M-3Atr42nrQFZw5noHocftBKDc9gl77z9IcExlXVzpaE78qFAzkIkAaY420wlHNfqmxG-Q_89ZpN36Muk/s320/42837464_1127271694105956_7761836331503714304_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigK81SRuxgJ9aDX-kt3PD-DEWWUwcbq7sFP9e1Vw0HRGpL9_p-b-pzHkXkohwGQI_zBRk3Nj37WuiIlGzbaJE9RXsGI4lmdNWfZpJkB0pd-Ip_3etHw9CEwlspjl0C9-CufcAEFspw45w/s1600/42898864_1127273074105818_3768066192799956992_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigK81SRuxgJ9aDX-kt3PD-DEWWUwcbq7sFP9e1Vw0HRGpL9_p-b-pzHkXkohwGQI_zBRk3Nj37WuiIlGzbaJE9RXsGI4lmdNWfZpJkB0pd-Ip_3etHw9CEwlspjl0C9-CufcAEFspw45w/s320/42898864_1127273074105818_3768066192799956992_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgYsCISKKeFgBYt2VM2fxV7VoCTtsVFp8qb9ak9oIyMH5LifwxPW8WKyK0QV1I_aH-oPZf5eNDbnp_4cb6GylpCi1xdk4_0TQjehlVYGrlvBXZotMp74fSi9FkAmfPOq0dFErUeLdM3c/s1600/42901596_1127273330772459_8325566543043756032_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgYsCISKKeFgBYt2VM2fxV7VoCTtsVFp8qb9ak9oIyMH5LifwxPW8WKyK0QV1I_aH-oPZf5eNDbnp_4cb6GylpCi1xdk4_0TQjehlVYGrlvBXZotMp74fSi9FkAmfPOq0dFErUeLdM3c/s320/42901596_1127273330772459_8325566543043756032_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbyMX7rgb2cLCGxdXgbwFRBxNPOzhvBeIojcW3lQX4rJq0xZiEicCIY1tWz4Rq2qfpC2ssRRX2X58ZK7k6N70D1P3i34ihFtwxQtbcEzN7QSg5Chmu95M3Wq7Ltpec_nPrw5S2QJf1AU/s1600/42905202_1127271210772671_7626048247496179712_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1114" data-original-width="1600" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbyMX7rgb2cLCGxdXgbwFRBxNPOzhvBeIojcW3lQX4rJq0xZiEicCIY1tWz4Rq2qfpC2ssRRX2X58ZK7k6N70D1P3i34ihFtwxQtbcEzN7QSg5Chmu95M3Wq7Ltpec_nPrw5S2QJf1AU/s320/42905202_1127271210772671_7626048247496179712_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ycNHBA2bNuSDCIv9ojnPXEiInr8j9gbutBVueURwLN8Gs86UcsZjFmhWxuXUZJxnVS0-EvBWUNQyvvimq6oL3_Rlif473HGpj8MglSGAtTYzLEEzz7OIWQNv5ELKLdAs09OaTqWc8Qw/s1600/42901868_1127271307439328_5144312544961232896_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ycNHBA2bNuSDCIv9ojnPXEiInr8j9gbutBVueURwLN8Gs86UcsZjFmhWxuXUZJxnVS0-EvBWUNQyvvimq6oL3_Rlif473HGpj8MglSGAtTYzLEEzz7OIWQNv5ELKLdAs09OaTqWc8Qw/s320/42901868_1127271307439328_5144312544961232896_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8CC8k4JQy3qx_Dav8nBrBWlUfhDJvUbvNyIV2uskzFZUu1AyVRDTateHFFFJmk1_6JcJqJ31mHll6HyHqW6-lk5gD_vjiVuhDBv0Yu8w3I6xJnid5UZ1DZiqooIhuiDegiXDW8BJW5I/s1600/42911718_1127272944105831_5408881130235494400_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8CC8k4JQy3qx_Dav8nBrBWlUfhDJvUbvNyIV2uskzFZUu1AyVRDTateHFFFJmk1_6JcJqJ31mHll6HyHqW6-lk5gD_vjiVuhDBv0Yu8w3I6xJnid5UZ1DZiqooIhuiDegiXDW8BJW5I/s320/42911718_1127272944105831_5408881130235494400_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7MhSe19Af9oTHPi1Je_cTJuwEp8hwj-MyXMHQQCfTu_Kzyuuk1Jm8jLrbcZa8npJLXTnYfnHymtlyRAC5e4qpOZ5wA5pxKfebdxyrWwNLPXeWpBMawpG2bVQ80h3OW2NIsxp1FHBdqg/s1600/42914334_1127272850772507_5927446831490400256_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7MhSe19Af9oTHPi1Je_cTJuwEp8hwj-MyXMHQQCfTu_Kzyuuk1Jm8jLrbcZa8npJLXTnYfnHymtlyRAC5e4qpOZ5wA5pxKfebdxyrWwNLPXeWpBMawpG2bVQ80h3OW2NIsxp1FHBdqg/s320/42914334_1127272850772507_5927446831490400256_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiquh6098zWN32xGo7swfyTlAv9jIqj45S-A5HH7vQjzEt1YbPBSDQBqHv59zUj5CXmFk3Akw-sezIulkTDXb_cgrH9nWmx9-KKbJILchVizw7Ff2i4D3Qpy3g-E9aLNawDpFYpVGT7NE/s1600/42917420_1127273840772408_4766489941288943616_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiquh6098zWN32xGo7swfyTlAv9jIqj45S-A5HH7vQjzEt1YbPBSDQBqHv59zUj5CXmFk3Akw-sezIulkTDXb_cgrH9nWmx9-KKbJILchVizw7Ff2i4D3Qpy3g-E9aLNawDpFYpVGT7NE/s320/42917420_1127273840772408_4766489941288943616_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ74rlzikH4xk4-bqtZHsS4vVqqt5bMevW1ebo99j4QNplcFLVCk6PKyYxgubsMsS-MT9visKmPAlJVfnXIxMo12KblabhSwqe3umDy0mlrGkxPzAfLuTBi0S3Ysak3O60nrWj7epu8LE/s1600/42918597_1127273207439138_8519449948129853440_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ74rlzikH4xk4-bqtZHsS4vVqqt5bMevW1ebo99j4QNplcFLVCk6PKyYxgubsMsS-MT9visKmPAlJVfnXIxMo12KblabhSwqe3umDy0mlrGkxPzAfLuTBi0S3Ysak3O60nrWj7epu8LE/s320/42918597_1127273207439138_8519449948129853440_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Nl7iE3Qc0YieZ6_3X_oA6pyBFwhq-5PHT-28BOEULr846DPBdLh6p8PYeRbCFZgTG0mwMoHP9InqxdvCUW3Hf2YJ2MfwCQL7nRCw21ktQc744N_gCsPoBfyrFZRwLcF8vM64qmxhte0/s1600/42921239_1127273440772448_403457231942582272_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Nl7iE3Qc0YieZ6_3X_oA6pyBFwhq-5PHT-28BOEULr846DPBdLh6p8PYeRbCFZgTG0mwMoHP9InqxdvCUW3Hf2YJ2MfwCQL7nRCw21ktQc744N_gCsPoBfyrFZRwLcF8vM64qmxhte0/s320/42921239_1127273440772448_403457231942582272_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVC8ITuRih4NUfUg7-wlPTHFka6lME7aTAz6tSdjK1D8qON7lZT5ILaCkFuE2-3ZLfUsCr-rEu-2DEb-sDUgNfjmYEYqHh9Mab4F_4LNARzULfYINBa1x8jMbX613F5uM5ajvk5QpvYtw/s1600/42921262_1127271427439316_6272314700856295424_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="1600" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVC8ITuRih4NUfUg7-wlPTHFka6lME7aTAz6tSdjK1D8qON7lZT5ILaCkFuE2-3ZLfUsCr-rEu-2DEb-sDUgNfjmYEYqHh9Mab4F_4LNARzULfYINBa1x8jMbX613F5uM5ajvk5QpvYtw/s320/42921262_1127271427439316_6272314700856295424_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7M_2wrrPGj_h7oXgbpnyVyREAGFqtcB-t8k0Ow5y7Am481WLmKi1I5VxPYC8h8AqfYey2x_vkmbdZIYLMJx3_NZNNAOyTKEUtWF8F86KJEvfoLmcsXuHfVa2XbrV2Hxck91sU8-ggdF4/s1600/42922881_1127274707438988_7765112408003051520_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7M_2wrrPGj_h7oXgbpnyVyREAGFqtcB-t8k0Ow5y7Am481WLmKi1I5VxPYC8h8AqfYey2x_vkmbdZIYLMJx3_NZNNAOyTKEUtWF8F86KJEvfoLmcsXuHfVa2XbrV2Hxck91sU8-ggdF4/s320/42922881_1127274707438988_7765112408003051520_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyeOaVjQmiSMyFrzOEHZkx6zjmaACzSLpcVtqaEB7_MhIT68x004k-hX6rFAup7-th1RiRaz-hLKk7S1e5tCefYB9ZeDMbsRD0YQRzGPygE3PehIUU6Y7UvH_KJOK2B6W8E3pqd04Mvc/s1600/42922915_1127273520772440_3278064742777749504_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="693" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyeOaVjQmiSMyFrzOEHZkx6zjmaACzSLpcVtqaEB7_MhIT68x004k-hX6rFAup7-th1RiRaz-hLKk7S1e5tCefYB9ZeDMbsRD0YQRzGPygE3PehIUU6Y7UvH_KJOK2B6W8E3pqd04Mvc/s320/42922915_1127273520772440_3278064742777749504_n.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxAUIERDGfki2KQjZH67-69fWTZNtDIBOdMoTsiubL_ieWoyw3yYoom3DgH4QkXd7kGtgh91xQSsURT-g2rD-hYAbT_u3cP0LB2ENzkEvqS_jisRfnlkuw-KdjGRL2S2o6oVshTY4Js8/s1600/42926044_1127272310772561_3068390452341243904_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxAUIERDGfki2KQjZH67-69fWTZNtDIBOdMoTsiubL_ieWoyw3yYoom3DgH4QkXd7kGtgh91xQSsURT-g2rD-hYAbT_u3cP0LB2ENzkEvqS_jisRfnlkuw-KdjGRL2S2o6oVshTY4Js8/s320/42926044_1127272310772561_3068390452341243904_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalTrca7ElLZf6_TE-4_rlPSZYAMxescSknOJnzjINCa-pNdjQ1eg9XAImmj68-U4JgJQQ2FbC8mD4qpeWpW7-Hav8S7vYpW4ob4BlPFLGEFysyw68ocLgptLW7T0hX3TYyOxUyXI-b8k/s1600/42933432_1127271717439287_8010222450669256704_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="723" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalTrca7ElLZf6_TE-4_rlPSZYAMxescSknOJnzjINCa-pNdjQ1eg9XAImmj68-U4JgJQQ2FbC8mD4qpeWpW7-Hav8S7vYpW4ob4BlPFLGEFysyw68ocLgptLW7T0hX3TYyOxUyXI-b8k/s320/42933432_1127271717439287_8010222450669256704_n.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0uW_LB3mkOiPoBYLUwkLPgDdPX0S4IIrUyfwA7n-lKOIQ_xVcwgsV8AsE9lNJWKISDMrkgF0U1p4nXRmQvQVM7qxlfVXQE9G7idOmcbXi84oCjhfxrZVzghiJRWq5bOXjzmLrw3O7f8/s1600/42936423_1127274334105692_1058099355539472384_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0uW_LB3mkOiPoBYLUwkLPgDdPX0S4IIrUyfwA7n-lKOIQ_xVcwgsV8AsE9lNJWKISDMrkgF0U1p4nXRmQvQVM7qxlfVXQE9G7idOmcbXi84oCjhfxrZVzghiJRWq5bOXjzmLrw3O7f8/s320/42936423_1127274334105692_1058099355539472384_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7kDyTeE-V7P4o_NTF7p5o9YmjbPeHHWhO6rPvdVS5zdIqSLAFppC0UZkdJKIO_wFDkGBBgmGBDNTbfcDPCIdwsA7jhyphenhyphen4-9LO6KxWJWLiUqeoTbLQd9eNzn-n2kTgKTxLg5QHP316XHc/s1600/42938094_1127274574105668_4701403341165428736_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="745" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7kDyTeE-V7P4o_NTF7p5o9YmjbPeHHWhO6rPvdVS5zdIqSLAFppC0UZkdJKIO_wFDkGBBgmGBDNTbfcDPCIdwsA7jhyphenhyphen4-9LO6KxWJWLiUqeoTbLQd9eNzn-n2kTgKTxLg5QHP316XHc/s320/42938094_1127274574105668_4701403341165428736_n.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJMUBcIn1Z1o6A7bTTmaOOiE7V0LRFEDB3cqGaifte_KxkkcbPkStrUdrgR_5KUGGAP8m9mkHJn8eGkk6JMm_hwr9Kqa2iA4x3LneldmH2HQ7uBpMFl1htbzaBCPD8e8k86JD_BtgYrw/s1600/42950827_1127274584105667_8927360747625775104_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJMUBcIn1Z1o6A7bTTmaOOiE7V0LRFEDB3cqGaifte_KxkkcbPkStrUdrgR_5KUGGAP8m9mkHJn8eGkk6JMm_hwr9Kqa2iA4x3LneldmH2HQ7uBpMFl1htbzaBCPD8e8k86JD_BtgYrw/s320/42950827_1127274584105667_8927360747625775104_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDvt3igjac7WQft7Sdo-tophpJATXNygGXj-vuCi-JHsRmzWcQdlPcRC1xhJLTCu1e5yOWKD3rLWRmYsN6LUNojIAIzxXHqyI-sr4LFQ03Ce82lUb5nqqbptL_TVMPjh7wFsPpi2gIBs/s1600/42950845_1127273160772476_1132644628994981888_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="1600" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDvt3igjac7WQft7Sdo-tophpJATXNygGXj-vuCi-JHsRmzWcQdlPcRC1xhJLTCu1e5yOWKD3rLWRmYsN6LUNojIAIzxXHqyI-sr4LFQ03Ce82lUb5nqqbptL_TVMPjh7wFsPpi2gIBs/s320/42950845_1127273160772476_1132644628994981888_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iKITB92csek/W7PCazhZZII/AAAAAAAACYc/Qsw4bGnKoxAFhmbJrlmplXrQLM8ODkY7wCEwYBhgL/s1600/42953231_1127274470772345_5207470872272568320_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iKITB92csek/W7PCazhZZII/AAAAAAAACYc/Qsw4bGnKoxAFhmbJrlmplXrQLM8ODkY7wCEwYBhgL/s320/42953231_1127274470772345_5207470872272568320_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r4Lwes61Ry0/W7PCa5Tve-I/AAAAAAAACYo/ZhPJMyca_RQc_aqdkRn_ijSjUHoinIoKQCEwYBhgL/s1600/42960367_1127273870772405_3341456888108679168_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r4Lwes61Ry0/W7PCa5Tve-I/AAAAAAAACYo/ZhPJMyca_RQc_aqdkRn_ijSjUHoinIoKQCEwYBhgL/s320/42960367_1127273870772405_3341456888108679168_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBlcUO2nk2PzaarZAJLPq8tKQ-goJBZUKbqRca74h2yrMhU3vlK2r2wTfEmu6wm2lsWmgegoK_p1BbAzcKQLPA0r9wsyXQClxN6GumTTFJg-TSTYuxobC_EzCwaHgpV36-yqDSveqfQ8/s1600/42964628_1127272874105838_2186282054679789568_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBlcUO2nk2PzaarZAJLPq8tKQ-goJBZUKbqRca74h2yrMhU3vlK2r2wTfEmu6wm2lsWmgegoK_p1BbAzcKQLPA0r9wsyXQClxN6GumTTFJg-TSTYuxobC_EzCwaHgpV36-yqDSveqfQ8/s320/42964628_1127272874105838_2186282054679789568_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPXTXm__p0SnvkalKQyLxvx843atDZXqTWfguufeFg-u1bcFPE00r21KucvjQM8CNNE2jnaWu6smFp6wmerhjWFA2eDxEgJ7C95m7SZ62V7Og3MAnkBDoCg-hBvM_JEcov86b2PBvgsw/s1600/42965531_1127275247438934_8062163770807418880_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPXTXm__p0SnvkalKQyLxvx843atDZXqTWfguufeFg-u1bcFPE00r21KucvjQM8CNNE2jnaWu6smFp6wmerhjWFA2eDxEgJ7C95m7SZ62V7Og3MAnkBDoCg-hBvM_JEcov86b2PBvgsw/s320/42965531_1127275247438934_8062163770807418880_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sZVMIb80K6tjeRKUfu7OMJts9m-6B8exCiOSAy6z8Ejk0-ONuAzBm3My0sU6Te_zDn6_PzinuAVshC6nejztJEzhyphenhyphenHWr_RbqIbCYZWL3iEu89ZBjKbshJCtnuNXfE0Shz3XEZs3qkfE/s1600/42983430_1127272434105882_8797249618246107136_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sZVMIb80K6tjeRKUfu7OMJts9m-6B8exCiOSAy6z8Ejk0-ONuAzBm3My0sU6Te_zDn6_PzinuAVshC6nejztJEzhyphenhyphenHWr_RbqIbCYZWL3iEu89ZBjKbshJCtnuNXfE0Shz3XEZs3qkfE/s320/42983430_1127272434105882_8797249618246107136_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iq5fqKhTYHw/W7PCff0YLlI/AAAAAAAACYg/b9Q3zC1HHEcI_aWa-pQpLu8FyPkYle4eQCEwYBhgL/s1600/42992914_1127274794105646_2038261594575601664_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iq5fqKhTYHw/W7PCff0YLlI/AAAAAAAACYg/b9Q3zC1HHEcI_aWa-pQpLu8FyPkYle4eQCEwYBhgL/s320/42992914_1127274794105646_2038261594575601664_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6H_5fwo9e-UPboO1RwwRkeTEDbDIpAbitZ5ni39lYGEUu1MG7bWpFmV3f0i8F6wORB0zP-iVQ2RbsfY_LFpTHToOXTfW2K_ixtKK0L8n8MIVRhTgpOres5TQT5cExMmASpCsYwg67v4/s1600/42999584_1127271167439342_7795687275160928256_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6H_5fwo9e-UPboO1RwwRkeTEDbDIpAbitZ5ni39lYGEUu1MG7bWpFmV3f0i8F6wORB0zP-iVQ2RbsfY_LFpTHToOXTfW2K_ixtKK0L8n8MIVRhTgpOres5TQT5cExMmASpCsYwg67v4/s320/42999584_1127271167439342_7795687275160928256_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7SvLBYwVmL3d4pHlJ3rYR5InlPeCLDTmPDRStKdRg6BW3Dc8Foai-h7Gnx4_YJwB6fBORWU38ecbvQannjHeBqa9k8DNgV0sNcfPZIfInycloGNW7njJMx30NzAKNarLxCRx7ohoexI/s1600/42996067_1127271280772664_6661110318904639488_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="774" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7SvLBYwVmL3d4pHlJ3rYR5InlPeCLDTmPDRStKdRg6BW3Dc8Foai-h7Gnx4_YJwB6fBORWU38ecbvQannjHeBqa9k8DNgV0sNcfPZIfInycloGNW7njJMx30NzAKNarLxCRx7ohoexI/s320/42996067_1127271280772664_6661110318904639488_n.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QsCWnJ5PyoPr6NnyMJIA1kR5wRm3jp9_ytneiYNkdTqo70EnW3yVDUkwGyuM7HAGUFfWVPNooSofMWGqrbM4ZB6GL1EsFl7eYJ_ILHe7iertAt1dgRj0eVQyjCcNgBmdVNya8QZkSKw/s1600/43003397_1127271610772631_5524737456433266688_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QsCWnJ5PyoPr6NnyMJIA1kR5wRm3jp9_ytneiYNkdTqo70EnW3yVDUkwGyuM7HAGUFfWVPNooSofMWGqrbM4ZB6GL1EsFl7eYJ_ILHe7iertAt1dgRj0eVQyjCcNgBmdVNya8QZkSKw/s320/43003397_1127271610772631_5524737456433266688_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkDG3R4qh4UZRfvh39cbALeuixM2yMVO5XDrtA2-JeJ0K2uShSwfSMiZuMpFOFL07qKfStF-0v78rnjMNQPvOwzz5uS1rBLsUhBb5dQMULm8e1gWlB0G948Z6N2QRbREL4rr5ubG5v9I/s1600/43003402_1127271800772612_3151975871745622016_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkDG3R4qh4UZRfvh39cbALeuixM2yMVO5XDrtA2-JeJ0K2uShSwfSMiZuMpFOFL07qKfStF-0v78rnjMNQPvOwzz5uS1rBLsUhBb5dQMULm8e1gWlB0G948Z6N2QRbREL4rr5ubG5v9I/s320/43003402_1127271800772612_3151975871745622016_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvPxV7aYhDTvRqs5NWD3BomgZn5vYHxysYwN6O6ChCGPl-qrzSummmCZqRXO_LquSsOowR6hqjSxk63pqopIVX3FjxViogFYdL6XHu53W9eMIYH2_aCIYHNXc7KlJuAW8rg79MyFo8_A/s1600/43009683_1127274047439054_4164909497229246464_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvPxV7aYhDTvRqs5NWD3BomgZn5vYHxysYwN6O6ChCGPl-qrzSummmCZqRXO_LquSsOowR6hqjSxk63pqopIVX3FjxViogFYdL6XHu53W9eMIYH2_aCIYHNXc7KlJuAW8rg79MyFo8_A/s320/43009683_1127274047439054_4164909497229246464_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3rA_1uc7nqRQYc0SfKDQEwaRLhuDNhCoUeTNsSzwnXqaGIuwLrh-fav0Z9Pk_FUKqA01Xdoc1rMgwoaiE_lx110bu7HzalIwQXJ9PZXuP4UJ3rRkoqH7T5dRV07YsqzgDwDuRODVQIA/s1600/43009928_1127272080772584_1902509751502110720_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3rA_1uc7nqRQYc0SfKDQEwaRLhuDNhCoUeTNsSzwnXqaGIuwLrh-fav0Z9Pk_FUKqA01Xdoc1rMgwoaiE_lx110bu7HzalIwQXJ9PZXuP4UJ3rRkoqH7T5dRV07YsqzgDwDuRODVQIA/s320/43009928_1127272080772584_1902509751502110720_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnw9-Z_wHY4havmMBeRgPDn95uMYdFq2RgoCW20gKkd05XM8XwxXhgRhufDof9UY1fLf7KRMP2_nFH1l1BA0rChZmsXkVS09E94iBh_oZpu-VmcL1YZhJSaSsBqO6CGvmjP7ccdldwqdk/s1600/43027518_1127275020772290_5672758157055623168_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnw9-Z_wHY4havmMBeRgPDn95uMYdFq2RgoCW20gKkd05XM8XwxXhgRhufDof9UY1fLf7KRMP2_nFH1l1BA0rChZmsXkVS09E94iBh_oZpu-VmcL1YZhJSaSsBqO6CGvmjP7ccdldwqdk/s320/43027518_1127275020772290_5672758157055623168_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRr8X3b0TkQbO8K9qZdB8KxAYP8KGk7A3OA2TA3_v8_VOq2mPlHN5EMAQqPkr06INrTRKJ3-g5Y0kLUZw0RZbupEPyrJHO5kgdd0cCxbuFPvIbdj2B3xOkcbwDDq1EyIrVrhQdopLfNC0/s1600/43011277_1127273487439110_9077008708277370880_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRr8X3b0TkQbO8K9qZdB8KxAYP8KGk7A3OA2TA3_v8_VOq2mPlHN5EMAQqPkr06INrTRKJ3-g5Y0kLUZw0RZbupEPyrJHO5kgdd0cCxbuFPvIbdj2B3xOkcbwDDq1EyIrVrhQdopLfNC0/s320/43011277_1127273487439110_9077008708277370880_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMg_SEu4gcJOHT6S3ZXyUXf6L_fWOnvsPgoPxgodrYSwHLeOly3C1f7BtE7jEDUO4l744mZwMrjJIqYqv-GhX9nbnuTYRxvYnfMP-gmdxLoFJCz0Bp94UgNjPpimekdmv49Mc9UVZLoqQ/s1600/43052394_1127272620772530_1424545424068313088_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMg_SEu4gcJOHT6S3ZXyUXf6L_fWOnvsPgoPxgodrYSwHLeOly3C1f7BtE7jEDUO4l744mZwMrjJIqYqv-GhX9nbnuTYRxvYnfMP-gmdxLoFJCz0Bp94UgNjPpimekdmv49Mc9UVZLoqQ/s320/43052394_1127272620772530_1424545424068313088_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pjWEg2c3xpnfYCY4-p4OP1eiiE1wkDHSs491FjnJhqe2k1Zf1KBpAFN_zyf7WaFxHsz8g16XsavJaqcS0w1ELWtirQBetagpTDjHY6PAPHNdMpP2ahdOWd2spjRhS0GiYV8e08nopdo/s1600/43052403_1127275050772287_8868400480263340032_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pjWEg2c3xpnfYCY4-p4OP1eiiE1wkDHSs491FjnJhqe2k1Zf1KBpAFN_zyf7WaFxHsz8g16XsavJaqcS0w1ELWtirQBetagpTDjHY6PAPHNdMpP2ahdOWd2spjRhS0GiYV8e08nopdo/s320/43052403_1127275050772287_8868400480263340032_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64vYUfOJGDFOSC6rSawYR7z7DH-X6BX9K4_6CnrWuozIyI93apL42s_FCoN1w__m0vt30l1kcC-7j3yrSVHN4qNe7eMQlhspSUJvjvWmpC67JyZ16bCKUDsKUhyphenhyphenXVgzgqcrHX9QP-xGQ/s1600/43101798_1127270374106088_1653061246406098944_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="1600" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64vYUfOJGDFOSC6rSawYR7z7DH-X6BX9K4_6CnrWuozIyI93apL42s_FCoN1w__m0vt30l1kcC-7j3yrSVHN4qNe7eMQlhspSUJvjvWmpC67JyZ16bCKUDsKUhyphenhyphenXVgzgqcrHX9QP-xGQ/s320/43101798_1127270374106088_1653061246406098944_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">We were very happy to welcome our host for the event, Fay Louise Purdham, who wore the most stunning dress. She was so enthusiastic and wanted to find out everything about the charity and the work we do to support families. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0rxfCLLacUFKNPN-C5_2y-iX_qNo4mqLjObAx4HGVDlFY0GCBv_4kLCgabw0hFopkCbKTPSw9l00lqVOOQHlmy9c4WGzQ7nVtEn0lwITidbmXCyzwkBFEfB0ZibiTabgDTVqBwS4HIY/s1600/42937139_1127271174106008_6307095011011854336_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0rxfCLLacUFKNPN-C5_2y-iX_qNo4mqLjObAx4HGVDlFY0GCBv_4kLCgabw0hFopkCbKTPSw9l00lqVOOQHlmy9c4WGzQ7nVtEn0lwITidbmXCyzwkBFEfB0ZibiTabgDTVqBwS4HIY/s320/42937139_1127271174106008_6307095011011854336_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Fay gave a welcome to all the guests and later helped announce the winners of the awards as well as then handing out the medals & awards. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The first award was for Young Fundraiser. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We had many nominations and we found this category the hardest to choose a winner as all the children put up for the award deserved recognition for their commitment. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In the end we decided to have a runners up prize which was given to a group of girls who have raised lots of money over the last year for charity. The girls had put so much effort into raising money despite their young years and truly deserved their medals.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhW0prU-uuATnbijMFnkDMnJmxhWrrxcDbOwvH-UCkmC_gH6U3IpkotDX2i2zaIN933leLFEvzmmn5x0HKi2kQe9hsfDEYxx6XixrLdcdIMUlHwXmCjUOkipwtnEszWfLvMHkULRV9R3A/s1600/42985475_1127274750772317_1750072213886730240_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhW0prU-uuATnbijMFnkDMnJmxhWrrxcDbOwvH-UCkmC_gH6U3IpkotDX2i2zaIN933leLFEvzmmn5x0HKi2kQe9hsfDEYxx6XixrLdcdIMUlHwXmCjUOkipwtnEszWfLvMHkULRV9R3A/s320/42985475_1127274750772317_1750072213886730240_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The winner of the Young Fundraiser was Alexander (AJ) Murphy. AJ decided to raise money for charity after his brother, Oliver, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia last August aged 18 months. AJ has taken part in lots of events from selling wristbands and cakes to running the 1K Reindeer run. In total he has raised over £1000 in just over 12 months.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Raising money for the charities was AJ's way of helping him cope whilst also giving back to those that had helped his family.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgCJI_razKfiXpBkvQRrw53UnoKNyEXKPiiwUpSKaW-eH_iw6mWh2r65O0vaG06vITLE63t_MaO-gOp2ojah_HKQnordwUeSoICXA6df4-yYy4szRmfNX3hCh_d-csNiYh9czqfnqFC4/s1600/42994794_1127271614105964_3147163777502281728_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="795" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgCJI_razKfiXpBkvQRrw53UnoKNyEXKPiiwUpSKaW-eH_iw6mWh2r65O0vaG06vITLE63t_MaO-gOp2ojah_HKQnordwUeSoICXA6df4-yYy4szRmfNX3hCh_d-csNiYh9czqfnqFC4/s320/42994794_1127271614105964_3147163777502281728_n.jpg" width="265" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Best Bereavement Service (Hospital or Community) was our next award. The winners of this award were Leeds Bereavement Liaison Office. They deal with all the deaths within the trust and liaise with families, police, coroners office and many more. They make sure that families are supported and helped during a distressing time and can trace family members and arrange funerals for those who have no next of kin. They try to make the process a little easier on the relatives.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Y2v6pQCCRpoUa9B5QPWZvXVWihLZBRcAvXh4QSVh2Rliz3IH3O95PwnTYfLmupG3-X6L4ArGKotrxdS81HsLVZUkJaJaeHVgAmSJRbLahgfGVhqcsUie78OLsOdruPtR9ZzyaQnTsV8/s1600/42970361_1127272320772560_3218895997702766592_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="1600" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Y2v6pQCCRpoUa9B5QPWZvXVWihLZBRcAvXh4QSVh2Rliz3IH3O95PwnTYfLmupG3-X6L4ArGKotrxdS81HsLVZUkJaJaeHVgAmSJRbLahgfGVhqcsUie78OLsOdruPtR9ZzyaQnTsV8/s320/42970361_1127272320772560_3218895997702766592_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="font8" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="font8" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Bereavement Support Worker Award was awarded to Sharon Mobbs from the Bereavement Liaison Office. Sharon deals with all the baby and child deaths within the trust. She was nominated by many families for the level of help and support she gave them at a time when they were dealing with the most difficult loss of their lives. She would make sure that the families were kept fully informed as well as referring onto appropriate agencies for extra support. The families who put Sharon forward all said that if she had not been there they don't know how they would have coped.</span></div>
<div class="font8" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5I0KCp0qJ5shJuz_K6hH2quXtr5XkNZfcq-wBruJn1d1kjRkuazc7cfbpOSRjTb6FlgbpOPtrt0fsHeCEmNK7KXn-bwnaoT2pn8WIKm3TrTA4vLWav0XBka7q92kfhLrthyphenhyphenG9nucpsW4/s1600/43045417_1127273314105794_8164204089157091328_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5I0KCp0qJ5shJuz_K6hH2quXtr5XkNZfcq-wBruJn1d1kjRkuazc7cfbpOSRjTb6FlgbpOPtrt0fsHeCEmNK7KXn-bwnaoT2pn8WIKm3TrTA4vLWav0XBka7q92kfhLrthyphenhyphenG9nucpsW4/s320/43045417_1127273314105794_8164204089157091328_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="font8" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="font8" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Midwife of the Year went to Alison Bowes, Bereavement Midwife for Leeds NHS Trust.</span></div>
<div class="font8" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A specialist bereavement midwife is someone who understands what the families are faced with following a loss. They are there to support families following a fatal diagnosis as well as families that lose their child during birth or soon after. Alison was nominated by families who she has supported and who have said that her support was amazing.</span></div>
<div class="font8" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg14NCbTZy88eygNsQ3p6HtOiYZ-oeO36SzIzacAS9ZFASMKbxEOmbyaX-9YaQdzG0rUO9HB7zoeu5E3BNOBS_LyJqOSC4cvhHU9ygs53D9lj1jG8W_zRZnbg5mL1B5vMQ7XHPvDYyp6s/s1600/43079491_1127272520772540_4898351596259246080_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1090" data-original-width="1600" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg14NCbTZy88eygNsQ3p6HtOiYZ-oeO36SzIzacAS9ZFASMKbxEOmbyaX-9YaQdzG0rUO9HB7zoeu5E3BNOBS_LyJqOSC4cvhHU9ygs53D9lj1jG8W_zRZnbg5mL1B5vMQ7XHPvDYyp6s/s320/43079491_1127272520772540_4898351596259246080_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Inspirational Individual of the Year went to Hayley Martin.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hayley and her husband Scott were given the devastating news last year that their much loved baby had a condition called Bilateral Renal Agenisis and that she would not live long after birth. Despite this they chose to bravely continue with the pregnancy to try and help other babies by donating their Ava-Joy's tissue. They have since decided to build a legacy for Ava-Joy and will help families by providing them with 4D scans and Memory Making kits. Hayley would also like to eventually train as a Bereavement Midwife. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="font8" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #003448; font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; padding: 0cm;"></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="font8" style="font-size: x-large; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1IKdCkP7SVrrreIiVhEajCmGVwi4iX90BCXXkeOeH95_2C5idfaOtAd9DA-E0P47uYPjunG7LDY0v_Osgrh4X_ow1TcAEuySvb0Dl7S8WZVOIR9VyoaJlYdOhjCjNIh5oPqmnttJwWQ/s1600/42913865_1127272764105849_8102529286499467264_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1IKdCkP7SVrrreIiVhEajCmGVwi4iX90BCXXkeOeH95_2C5idfaOtAd9DA-E0P47uYPjunG7LDY0v_Osgrh4X_ow1TcAEuySvb0Dl7S8WZVOIR9VyoaJlYdOhjCjNIh5oPqmnttJwWQ/s320/42913865_1127272764105849_8102529286499467264_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="font8" style="font-size: x-large; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #003448; font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="font8" style="font-size: x-large; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Corporate Fundraiser went to LHA Car & Commercial.</span></div>
<div class="font8" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">LHA have supported the charity throughout the last year and are continuing their support. They have regular 'bulb & puncture repair' days where customers make a donation to us instead of being charged for the work carried out by the garage. They have also been sponsors for events and have donated prizes for our raffles. In the last year they have raised well over £1000.</span></div>
<div class="font8" style="font-size: x-large; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #003448; font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm13NLuqQvE6ibmXm-u1BUmS8c91zN6vlZ-ScUfSnAchdr60NjqjKPc7Aqv6nnqYosGKGWBHgsKPrKo7jB_UuJpGb6X3vNFrYDW9fptPGORBee2pfnXFELHhRyUZI1F70a2Y1MtUe9DFY/s1600/42929607_1127274687438990_6437286559359172608_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm13NLuqQvE6ibmXm-u1BUmS8c91zN6vlZ-ScUfSnAchdr60NjqjKPc7Aqv6nnqYosGKGWBHgsKPrKo7jB_UuJpGb6X3vNFrYDW9fptPGORBee2pfnXFELHhRyUZI1F70a2Y1MtUe9DFY/s320/42929607_1127274687438990_6437286559359172608_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="font8" style="font-size: x-large; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="font8" style="font-size: x-large; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
Oustanding Fundraiser went to Mark Wilson. Despite having Parkinson's Mark has never let it get him down and rather than just sitting back he decided to raise funds for Parkinsons UK. He has organised and hosted many Comedy Nights and so far he has raised £25,200.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaXvm8kMHAYF5R6xIrrUyA0DBpb2vwhSovzbHnYAUT5ne5HF-sPsVc7uxXvdmInb1TF2ZOqZyfp-O0Q2Ur6Bb5MWurE4MGs1DfFf3kx3asuNKk3T31mHenCOGunpt7Lm-0RscdX-CRec/s1600/42961462_1127272134105912_2855164516008722432_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1117" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaXvm8kMHAYF5R6xIrrUyA0DBpb2vwhSovzbHnYAUT5ne5HF-sPsVc7uxXvdmInb1TF2ZOqZyfp-O0Q2Ur6Bb5MWurE4MGs1DfFf3kx3asuNKk3T31mHenCOGunpt7Lm-0RscdX-CRec/s320/42961462_1127272134105912_2855164516008722432_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="font8" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="font8" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Special Thank You Award went to Sarah Markillie. Sarah set up Middleton Mini Tots after finding that there was very little to do in her area. She now runs a successful group which provides a safe and enjoyable place for mums and dads to come with their children. They provide friendship, food, activities and even trips.</span></div>
<div class="font8" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #003448; font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; padding: 0cm;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="font8" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #003448; font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; padding: 0cm;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejVDpK2E3fr9K6emOguRKPT1mGEQ-gAEW3HUCEs-obm0dL36mODxq0mxMqYwivm2aOYCY9d3_w5cEs-ye78YBjzUfN2wa4QzvDcaWDv6WgAMuagc6LZvg2P6IlGYaocDn3zE_76RoaZo/s1600/42926042_1127272724105853_1290469953975091200_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejVDpK2E3fr9K6emOguRKPT1mGEQ-gAEW3HUCEs-obm0dL36mODxq0mxMqYwivm2aOYCY9d3_w5cEs-ye78YBjzUfN2wa4QzvDcaWDv6WgAMuagc6LZvg2P6IlGYaocDn3zE_76RoaZo/s320/42926042_1127272724105853_1290469953975091200_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Outstanding Volunteer went to Paul Scully-Sloan</span></div>
<br />
<div class="font8" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Paul set up the first closed international Daddys with Angels group in December 2010</span><span style="color: #003448; font-size: 14px;">. </span><span style="font-size: large;">The group provides a safe place for male family members to open up following the loss of a child. Unfortunately Paul was not able to attend due to illness so a friend/colleague came to accept the award on his behalf.</span></span></div>
<div class="font8" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkll9MhEHNF4UoTFMuFXrdeQbS8779m1fgOkAsUlvrS1mSt2FtP8J7lT2yKruk1aJ3IVvfZW66fv7sER1KUKMZixs7OPQ-n9jdcDImiSVJACINZZE-7qT2Z7Wt2rHIcFqqJQ_P1zyP5s/s1600/42906830_1127274837438975_7670462903736074240_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkll9MhEHNF4UoTFMuFXrdeQbS8779m1fgOkAsUlvrS1mSt2FtP8J7lT2yKruk1aJ3IVvfZW66fv7sER1KUKMZixs7OPQ-n9jdcDImiSVJACINZZE-7qT2Z7Wt2rHIcFqqJQ_P1zyP5s/s320/42906830_1127274837438975_7670462903736074240_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="font8" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="font8" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Special Recognition Award went to Rhiann & Amy Curtis and Chloe Hill for their enthusiasm and commitment to helping the charity in any way they can. This has been through fundraising, baking cakes and making up hundreds of bereavement packs. </span></div>
<div class="font8" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZLIneVS_6iINw4VPFlBKsqWP6uIdbGucP-5Vi5HBWKEAd3S-lvpe1WDHKXtMU3lGnpjYB1ycbWEj8EWSLG98ZV0Z-twF0piyq1kxoKYSCL8OrCAHalx6VThE75G-5_8vfnghCYrwLmE/s1600/42966990_1127273044105821_4409421401274974208_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="1600" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZLIneVS_6iINw4VPFlBKsqWP6uIdbGucP-5Vi5HBWKEAd3S-lvpe1WDHKXtMU3lGnpjYB1ycbWEj8EWSLG98ZV0Z-twF0piyq1kxoKYSCL8OrCAHalx6VThE75G-5_8vfnghCYrwLmE/s320/42966990_1127273044105821_4409421401274974208_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The evening was a great success and we raised the fantastic amount of £3000.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We look forward to seeing everyone again at our 4th Charity Ball in 2019.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank You so much to everyone of you that has supported and helped us to make 2018's Ball such an amazing night.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476798133416303890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279198781554298713.post-7358763773289908652018-09-23T20:44:00.000+01:002018-09-23T20:44:39.566+01:00<span style="font-size: large;">Last week we were able to send the winner of the holiday nominations earlier this year off on their week away together. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We know how important it is for bereaved families to spend time together making new memories and having the space to relax and enjoy being with each other. This is why we set up our most recent campaign on Just Giving to raise funds to purchase our own caravan so we can then send so many more families away on a break.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We had the pleasure of meeting the family before they went away and after talking with them we felt really happy that we had made the right decision to choose them, although every single family deserved it as well. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Today I got a message from the family saying that they had had a really lovely week together. They have sent us some fantastic pictures from their break away and the mum, Lindsey, has written a little bit for the blog.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRzVWOGBFEQameKIespF6vV5HSKz-CPWTpD8u35VCKQ-HXLBxh-j0HCTxOy8AXAak2W1av07yfHPjajN525uOqmfo10toMJkv-xvDN6PKoSOO3X-GKqqFCzknv9Ww2Zv-YdOj15rtLig/s1600/42335807_671339639917080_9155943631582920704_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRzVWOGBFEQameKIespF6vV5HSKz-CPWTpD8u35VCKQ-HXLBxh-j0HCTxOy8AXAak2W1av07yfHPjajN525uOqmfo10toMJkv-xvDN6PKoSOO3X-GKqqFCzknv9Ww2Zv-YdOj15rtLig/s320/42335807_671339639917080_9155943631582920704_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAVcPryEW1bOTE2lYMmOI3flV94zyQ9bkuffp9FZl7SEwYHK6AbL4dE_AnDvs4_Fu4vuXwy8rOjItpXXn-SVUdqrBnStzHRlBeNVogc4Bk_HjcmRi5ovlkADTR3R1iH1KlAzriPLPves/s1600/42335828_318893805541744_2986665793158119424_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAVcPryEW1bOTE2lYMmOI3flV94zyQ9bkuffp9FZl7SEwYHK6AbL4dE_AnDvs4_Fu4vuXwy8rOjItpXXn-SVUdqrBnStzHRlBeNVogc4Bk_HjcmRi5ovlkADTR3R1iH1KlAzriPLPves/s1600/42335828_318893805541744_2986665793158119424_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAVcPryEW1bOTE2lYMmOI3flV94zyQ9bkuffp9FZl7SEwYHK6AbL4dE_AnDvs4_Fu4vuXwy8rOjItpXXn-SVUdqrBnStzHRlBeNVogc4Bk_HjcmRi5ovlkADTR3R1iH1KlAzriPLPves/s320/42335828_318893805541744_2986665793158119424_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KaX5-HdeFZ7N_BactrWtbm8kKbya2RaRYLo5ltMyZG9DmdzH_7oUDf_EDEqoS548gOo4uR2jb_jNYwgzkGMogmSHSSYM9XkA_WEO9kN4QVS0vXmd3zifbZ6NXB7m8ofJWdR7kj-Fn2w/s1600/42340630_288817378605942_5133428329034022912_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KaX5-HdeFZ7N_BactrWtbm8kKbya2RaRYLo5ltMyZG9DmdzH_7oUDf_EDEqoS548gOo4uR2jb_jNYwgzkGMogmSHSSYM9XkA_WEO9kN4QVS0vXmd3zifbZ6NXB7m8ofJWdR7kj-Fn2w/s320/42340630_288817378605942_5133428329034022912_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRr-D8d3IGR0dXM_b6b5HzsK2huMxepajr00Zuhhyphenhyphen9plcmTIvxrbqz0rYMQKPakF9dp1yso2q4kzmRvjquZizcbvCAFqzMMM5naw8P1Vk1dEO6dFZeGhLGI5A17pEpgW1B_bUagTzP5k/s1600/42360726_460012761073943_5900723111182991360_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRr-D8d3IGR0dXM_b6b5HzsK2huMxepajr00Zuhhyphenhyphen9plcmTIvxrbqz0rYMQKPakF9dp1yso2q4kzmRvjquZizcbvCAFqzMMM5naw8P1Vk1dEO6dFZeGhLGI5A17pEpgW1B_bUagTzP5k/s320/42360726_460012761073943_5900723111182991360_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFapbKS2_d-cWEecaWNMSVGJCObFtYyRAKGQ2iHNnwneURtIpthbsFlEWnQl7J8HTqBu0V0P0eLifQsBnmegrFNYyxaEcgS07MAGcvaWeNv7dxTLV5r_tP0fKQaYRIZacJaPQu74c2c1Y/s1600/42361380_625535544510488_7848436315438710784_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFapbKS2_d-cWEecaWNMSVGJCObFtYyRAKGQ2iHNnwneURtIpthbsFlEWnQl7J8HTqBu0V0P0eLifQsBnmegrFNYyxaEcgS07MAGcvaWeNv7dxTLV5r_tP0fKQaYRIZacJaPQu74c2c1Y/s320/42361380_625535544510488_7848436315438710784_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4jJameJgEBA/W6fm0rv3RBI/AAAAAAAACSE/ijDfRo3jUToiol_izoqC3uVuHVvPNQbLACLcBGAs/s1600/42384467_523674524746651_5288624038812319744_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4jJameJgEBA/W6fm0rv3RBI/AAAAAAAACSE/ijDfRo3jUToiol_izoqC3uVuHVvPNQbLACLcBGAs/s320/42384467_523674524746651_5288624038812319744_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XES8r0CxsB_UA29fqgh5yFm4riSDtaEb6XfaUOlxxjbpwi7IbYb34aSQ8rGsD_I7aMzwYRYF-dlt8GayU2AdS7AhOQM31DDMFPJgXae6FoG0tBM6OJUGIInuQ12RmE7h9imDosIIA-I/s1600/42387509_279208646252897_4060343128224169984_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XES8r0CxsB_UA29fqgh5yFm4riSDtaEb6XfaUOlxxjbpwi7IbYb34aSQ8rGsD_I7aMzwYRYF-dlt8GayU2AdS7AhOQM31DDMFPJgXae6FoG0tBM6OJUGIInuQ12RmE7h9imDosIIA-I/s320/42387509_279208646252897_4060343128224169984_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XubXSw5KlwYvTxQWrQEDutCmjKz4RR3wLjMEQobABc2zlGjYizNQMUGXNOmOtwLAazH3AY9AdC7toN5HSjRlXZHEOrYp5NwcmiG_D_70XVk51g2t9rcJxfvkItSmqU9_tefp4-k5Jng/s1600/42412963_720716978273600_6452122557515563008_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XubXSw5KlwYvTxQWrQEDutCmjKz4RR3wLjMEQobABc2zlGjYizNQMUGXNOmOtwLAazH3AY9AdC7toN5HSjRlXZHEOrYp5NwcmiG_D_70XVk51g2t9rcJxfvkItSmqU9_tefp4-k5Jng/s320/42412963_720716978273600_6452122557515563008_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2pHfhGGwAdnPlSzsiEgR_SsntvPmRgQGkhr3mOiegfmNBVxXra4mt7rnDVoTFGENAKSjfYEZpxf83i6-LEPIoZcmrqaAp9zPVK6voqplc2LdJwLgmcXxnSZ_mg7ma4MSb3kbrPaw0ag/s1600/42419122_481461929036937_2939571618491400192_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2pHfhGGwAdnPlSzsiEgR_SsntvPmRgQGkhr3mOiegfmNBVxXra4mt7rnDVoTFGENAKSjfYEZpxf83i6-LEPIoZcmrqaAp9zPVK6voqplc2LdJwLgmcXxnSZ_mg7ma4MSb3kbrPaw0ag/s320/42419122_481461929036937_2939571618491400192_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClrbSoGb9VtveUemVzY4_wA2piDkS1U4DJesbv2NoIYQpJJraGwphuqKNtmtZ7VnXrSEjEq9AJiceRya7M3AFz3RpTZ-TTMsKKNVewc_VYhHRq0-fSD49aU49oYoNHTbkJc6I8Nc9O5k/s1600/42346125_289184005017060_4227583657172271104_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClrbSoGb9VtveUemVzY4_wA2piDkS1U4DJesbv2NoIYQpJJraGwphuqKNtmtZ7VnXrSEjEq9AJiceRya7M3AFz3RpTZ-TTMsKKNVewc_VYhHRq0-fSD49aU49oYoNHTbkJc6I8Nc9O5k/s320/42346125_289184005017060_4227583657172271104_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBpjimf9XeL2xDk9MCN0VqYsE4VMAFVIMX2W2pszxIyUWByYCax9GcepPbtQhTXiKRvI-y3DmY0CjERTwShRcLa7LicQJnAIhMy43_GBixNq_3le2zN7E_MvpW1ACNQ9DAnmzbMdKIQ4/s1600/42378240_2218093448424302_1643125771574706176_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBpjimf9XeL2xDk9MCN0VqYsE4VMAFVIMX2W2pszxIyUWByYCax9GcepPbtQhTXiKRvI-y3DmY0CjERTwShRcLa7LicQJnAIhMy43_GBixNq_3le2zN7E_MvpW1ACNQ9DAnmzbMdKIQ4/s320/42378240_2218093448424302_1643125771574706176_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qY4fQ2PfPAw/W6fnK9lIu5I/AAAAAAAACSs/MBzVL-jhPOEsuUJP1kCg4n2E9qsi1YxnACLcBGAs/s1600/42371133_330799491000977_1795491948308463616_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qY4fQ2PfPAw/W6fnK9lIu5I/AAAAAAAACSs/MBzVL-jhPOEsuUJP1kCg4n2E9qsi1YxnACLcBGAs/s320/42371133_330799491000977_1795491948308463616_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPF3JGVJLXoYUWFu6oxbhBxzoUQdo5jv3tpO-uPlrlPsRcKB00UmdtWuQ03_oGbVEBvGpg0Nhz8Ah3OXMRTWacm8lsGfLws0zcvRN18Y9R6oibGzs-oPk-QyfLG0OMLyHcwpLzrq_F5SQ/s1600/42367838_2183608005242372_8331558602242260992_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPF3JGVJLXoYUWFu6oxbhBxzoUQdo5jv3tpO-uPlrlPsRcKB00UmdtWuQ03_oGbVEBvGpg0Nhz8Ah3OXMRTWacm8lsGfLws0zcvRN18Y9R6oibGzs-oPk-QyfLG0OMLyHcwpLzrq_F5SQ/s320/42367838_2183608005242372_8331558602242260992_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJkopvhPdGtCLzAqzT9YgBDFcydwoTuKEkIyhEva9ukj9Ho4YH4Q7nzp79L554-o6PipgI21l9aFyOhlxzBOqcD-AambLOcFP1E5vYWF2Vnjn2F9u_dLt1jLXzi6QD4UkQcfXps6fTL8/s1600/42404448_1945352789091210_7827891622846136320_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJkopvhPdGtCLzAqzT9YgBDFcydwoTuKEkIyhEva9ukj9Ho4YH4Q7nzp79L554-o6PipgI21l9aFyOhlxzBOqcD-AambLOcFP1E5vYWF2Vnjn2F9u_dLt1jLXzi6QD4UkQcfXps6fTL8/s320/42404448_1945352789091210_7827891622846136320_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaA5fnFXVDcAqRV4_XrBvIRt-097qSjfv3TOl-c1cXXgMRNc_61TRfNbPoVB8dynrVNFnc8RQTPPT4-UHxpQ3_bwcC_Qx_XpJAfXm2gf3CDt_GVjCXr5DBSRJv_p3VwD_U8gBvUc0A0Uw/s1600/42408758_709645169375545_5614640759845158912_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaA5fnFXVDcAqRV4_XrBvIRt-097qSjfv3TOl-c1cXXgMRNc_61TRfNbPoVB8dynrVNFnc8RQTPPT4-UHxpQ3_bwcC_Qx_XpJAfXm2gf3CDt_GVjCXr5DBSRJv_p3VwD_U8gBvUc0A0Uw/s320/42408758_709645169375545_5614640759845158912_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoNHo9k3_SyevpnnnVFhNJuEKI_6Y1UAh8UxQG4FCXSpSUkAGabfH2-wx6gPLP32bsJXv9C_lDLslS6xQIGN8iAmgzz3q5bKNubvvp9vENxVv_HIFLJ2wjYcqsj_sbwt15ipsbWRjbJ0/s1600/42412954_243594246327957_950935961544425472_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoNHo9k3_SyevpnnnVFhNJuEKI_6Y1UAh8UxQG4FCXSpSUkAGabfH2-wx6gPLP32bsJXv9C_lDLslS6xQIGN8iAmgzz3q5bKNubvvp9vENxVv_HIFLJ2wjYcqsj_sbwt15ipsbWRjbJ0/s320/42412954_243594246327957_950935961544425472_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrblpZRDP1wLBrKxHaKbuiDkJS80HfzOJ7UpvnC8vSa1THMEcuNmDwtjsgwQwpyLeT-tLNZdx1plAI7wm9mEWByeoRGjYVc81KuEm2QPya3L8RQVmiTf4niS_TQl3hZrqdR0y_MnKTyOU/s1600/42419759_209350099781889_891053753682100224_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrblpZRDP1wLBrKxHaKbuiDkJS80HfzOJ7UpvnC8vSa1THMEcuNmDwtjsgwQwpyLeT-tLNZdx1plAI7wm9mEWByeoRGjYVc81KuEm2QPya3L8RQVmiTf4niS_TQl3hZrqdR0y_MnKTyOU/s320/42419759_209350099781889_891053753682100224_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qgcY2l7AD-l0Si_1LgDyZPOBfiobb1iDM0WeU5n-INe1DevIFXbVuR9N7UXcn4oStdfgGV8hs2hTxJew4NlAWowX6rRlQou2GjG3aVumpE_w_X5kyJqhO5HtoHpsPdxOCp4zenz323s/s1600/42420502_676848346033174_6507698991944171520_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qgcY2l7AD-l0Si_1LgDyZPOBfiobb1iDM0WeU5n-INe1DevIFXbVuR9N7UXcn4oStdfgGV8hs2hTxJew4NlAWowX6rRlQou2GjG3aVumpE_w_X5kyJqhO5HtoHpsPdxOCp4zenz323s/s320/42420502_676848346033174_6507698991944171520_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbl5ej4uARDZbwuR04s2pD_VvpwIsae8t9BZVDgGMVzzOKdFjWbRZD_QMmOMeuf19JHz0LJjTFV_wr2s0VoG8NrXS521-N4Q_fXsM4q3lj60QhaQQie5cCaIseJv_JW8UKUkqEH1nM0bU/s1600/42421084_322908098481504_5902763590015778816_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbl5ej4uARDZbwuR04s2pD_VvpwIsae8t9BZVDgGMVzzOKdFjWbRZD_QMmOMeuf19JHz0LJjTFV_wr2s0VoG8NrXS521-N4Q_fXsM4q3lj60QhaQQie5cCaIseJv_JW8UKUkqEH1nM0bU/s320/42421084_322908098481504_5902763590015778816_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"After losing our little baby girl Kayleigh last September to Edwards Syndrome Charlies Angel Centre gave us the opportunity to spend some much needed family time together by gifting us a weeks holiday in Skegness, something which we would not have done without them. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">They are such wonderful people who care about other people who have been through baby loss like themselves which no one should ever have to go through, but giving families this wonderful gift is so lovely and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our baby girl was still with us in our hearts, we took her photos with us and still lit her candles whilst we were away so that she was part of our holiday. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We miss her so much every day. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank You all again for the brilliant work you all do, we will do our best to support your charity so you can continue all you do for people.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">All our love</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Lindsey, Dean Mia & Kayleigh xxxxx"</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476798133416303890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279198781554298713.post-15289977270931375702018-09-09T20:16:00.000+01:002018-09-09T20:16:02.039+01:00<br /><span style="font-size: large;">Recently we were contacted by 'The Legacy of Leo' an interview about what our charity is about. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sam, one of the co-founders and trustees of our charity, did a great job of informing them all about us and the support we give to bereaved families.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Please take a look at the full interview by clicking on the link below.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We are always more than happy to talk to people about our charity and the work we do as we know how important it is to get the subject of child and baby loss spoken about. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Only then will it be seen that the support needed is vital for the bereaved families and that currently many areas of the United Kingdom are sadly lacking.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It is heartbreaking to think of all those families that are still leaving hospital with little or no support in place for them. In this day and age where computers are the main way of communicating there should be no excuse for different departments being able to pass on important information ensuring support is there as soon as possible.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We are really grateful to The Legacy of Leo for bringing awareness to such an important issue. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We have met some amazing people from many different walks of life and from many different charities and we all have the one main aim, to provide appropriate and timely support for families following the death of a baby or child.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://thelegacyofleo.com/2018/09/09/supporting-anyone-who-needs-it-sam-from-charlies-angel-centre-foundation-for-itstilltakesavillage/" target="_blank">https://thelegacyofleo.com/2018/09/09/supporting-anyone-who-needs-it-sam-from-charlies-angel-centre-foundation-for-itstilltakesavillage/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476798133416303890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279198781554298713.post-64731526093433518222018-08-25T20:33:00.000+01:002018-08-25T20:33:26.492+01:00<span style="font-size: large;">The first thing I have to say is 'Sorry', it has been a few weeks since our last blog, things have just been so busy with the charity this summer. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This year is just getting busier and busier with each passing week, and whilst this is great for us it also makes us so aware of how many more families have lost a baby or child.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We are now getting referrals from so many more places and we know that our charity is one of the first ones that many agencies in Leeds refer onto. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We have come so far in the last 6 months and it is still amazing when we get referrals through from GP surgeries across Leeds and have even had consultants from the hospitals ring us up to provide support to a family they are discharging. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The last year has seen us develop the current services we offer as well as developing more services for families to access. We have been increasing our number of counsellors and are always very happy to take on more. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The more counsellors we have the more families we can support. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">At the minute we are trying to increase our number of 'Couples' counsellors as this is a specialised area that requires further training and qualifications. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Often families we work with want to see separate counsellors as they think that it will help them to open up more about their feelings without worrying how it will effect their partner. We know from our own experiences that you try to protect your other family members by keeping your feelings inside or by only sharing some of them. Going alone can also help you to open up and talk about things that you feel others might think are a 'bit crazy'. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">However some families start by attending together and then as they go along they change to separate sessions.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There has also been couples that have gone together throughout and have found it really beneficial. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It</span><span style="font-size: large;"> can often be very difficult to find a counsellor that can change during their sessions and we are really proud that this is something we are trying to increase. Our aim has always been and always will be to get help and support to families the best way for them. We will always be flexible as we know how difficult even day to day things can be when you are trying to function following a loss.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Our home visit option has also been really successful. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We initially worried that it might not be received well or that families would feel odd letting strangers into their houses and talking openly about the death of their child. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We couldn't have been more wrong.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The home visits have really worked well and some families have even chose to continue with the visits rather than choosing counselling at this point. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When a family first gets home and for several months after they may find times when just getting out of bed is challenging enough let alone think of leaving the safety of their home to attend counselling or a support group. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To be able to offer them support in their own space where they feel protected and often more relaxed has been great. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We always make sure that we explain that the person visiting is not a counsellor but has been through peer support training and has often been through a loss themselves.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Having done many of the home visits I feel very privileged that the families trust me enough to allow me into their homes and share their beautiful 'angels' with me. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When we arrange the first visit we never have a time for the visit to finish. Often it can take a while for the family to feel relaxed enough to talk and usually the first half of the visit is usually just general getting to know each other chat. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Lots of the home visits I have done have usually been for around 2 hours and we will always let the families know that we are not on a time limit. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When you have been to see people at home a few times you can feel the relationship developing and you can see them relaxing and looking forward to the visits as they know they can talk about their child as well as anything else that is worrying them. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have had a few families say that it has been nice to just chat about 'normal' things like whats on the TV as often they feel that other friends and family members feel like they need to talk just about their loss. Just being able to be 'you' again is something we hear a lot and I know that this is so important. I remember wanting my friends to talk to me like they used to do and not worry about mentioning Charlie for fear of upsetting me. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We really hope to get more volunteers on board in the next 6 months that are happy to go through the peer support training to then be able to go on home visits. This will allow us to get even more help out there to the families we support. If you know anyone or even fancy having a go just get in touch with us and have a chat about the options and maybe other ways you can get involved.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We have also been kept busy with a steady stream of phonecalls, emails and messages through our social media sites. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The amount of contact we are currently receiving has gone up quite quickly over the last few months and it always amazes me at how quick and efficiently Sam (co-founder) is able to react to these. I have to admit that I really do not understand Twitter, thankfully Sam is a whizz and has often been involved with discussions regarding child and baby loss and support that is out there for families. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sam is also the driving force behind our website, having developed and built it, and she spends many many hours making sure it is all up to date and has the most relevant information for people visiting it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Most workplaces have hours which their employees work. As a charity we do not have that luxury and to be honest I think most of us like it like that. The support families need after a loss does not fit nicely into working hours and we would never want any family to have to go through it alone. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We have been very lucky to secure the support and help of many companies and professional individuals this year as well and this is such a help to us and allows us to be able to focus on the day to day issues that often get put back when we are trying to arrange other things such as fund raising events. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We are only in August of 2018 and already 2019 is looking to be a brilliant year for fundraising and 2 of the events are being organised by other people (which is always a bonus for us).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I think at times we forget to thank each other for the work we put in to the charity and we know that without each other we couldn't do the work we do. We all have our areas that we are better at than others and we always use that to make the charity run as smoothly as it does. There will always be times when we feel exhausted or down if things are not changing as quickly as we want it to but we all know that we can call on each other at these times to get support. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We have the best motivation to keep going, </span><span style="font-size: large;">Charlie Arthur Curtis. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I know for sure that if I am ever feeling worried I just have to look at his beautiful face and remember the strength and fight he put up and it gives me the 'kick up the bum' I need.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank You for all sticking with us and for helping us to get the charity to where it is today. We hope you continue to follow us and join us as we continue to campaign for better bereavement services following the loss of a baby or child across the UK.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476798133416303890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279198781554298713.post-19268055755721997782018-07-30T20:15:00.001+01:002018-07-30T20:15:51.489+01:00<span style="font-size: large;">We know how important it is to spend time together as families, enjoying everyday activities, making memories over the years and experiencing things together.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When a family goes through the death of their baby or child the opportunities for them to make many of those memories are gone. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The hardest thing I still find is not being able to take any more photos of Charlie. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I love taking pictures and always have done.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have hundreds of pictures showing things me and my family has done over the last 51 years of my life. To not be able to take pictures and make memories is very difficult to get your head round.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Most families always remember the holidays they have been on throughout their lives and enjoy retelling them and remembering the things they all got up to.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Having the opportunity to get away after a loss is so important for every member of the family. Often, when you are grieving, you forget to spend time together and often find talking to each other difficult. The grief consumes you and the motivation to even think about planning a holiday is just to much.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Over the last few years we have wanted to be able to offer a family the opportunity to go away together and spend some valuable time reconnecting. Getting away from their normal environment can allow them to spend quality time together away from the day to day things.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">At the beginning of 2018 we launched our Holiday Nomination event. We have been so lucky to have been supported by www.caravanrenting.com who have donated a weeks holiday for our Charity Ball auction on the last 2 years.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This year they have gone one step further by letting us have the use of one of their caravans for a week for a bereaved family to go and spend precious time together. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There really are some amazing people in this world and often we only get to hear about the negatives so we feel very privileged to be able to share a truly positive,generous offer.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We received many nominations for the event and each and every one of them deserved to have a holiday away. Unfortunately we could only choose 1. The trustees spent many hours reading through the nominations and then chatting together to see which families everyone had chosen. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Eventually we made the final decision and had the pleasure of telling the chosen family that they had been chosen. We arranged to meet up with them at our office last week and it was wonderful to actually meet them in person.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI44oGdDioMYYa3QSqMheENGUNbLFXKk1QTxf4I15fYEoQ3s00WQGT7EoRALqmk5-mDnjoDzBDuPJK9sIqJZZtn6UJgDiVt_XvI_GWA7S9k4dHTAhNPNWuh9av9Y811Nh_d2uWRO5NHpo/s1600/37756428_10212639877288805_104592757284143104_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="960" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI44oGdDioMYYa3QSqMheENGUNbLFXKk1QTxf4I15fYEoQ3s00WQGT7EoRALqmk5-mDnjoDzBDuPJK9sIqJZZtn6UJgDiVt_XvI_GWA7S9k4dHTAhNPNWuh9av9Y811Nh_d2uWRO5NHpo/s400/37756428_10212639877288805_104592757284143104_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This is Lindsey, Dean & Mia Baker from Chesterfield.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Lindsey had sent in the nomination for their family after they lost their little girl, Kayleigh Julie Baker, on 13th September 2017 from Edwards Syndrome.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"I am requesting a holiday for my husband, me and our 8 year old daughter. On 7th September 2017 our baby girl was born, she sadly died 13th September 2017. She had Edwards Syndrome, we are all heartbroken that our little girl was taken from us and left such sadness in our hearts. My husband and little girl, Mia, have been absolutely amazing helping me through this. I am heartbroken and if it wasn't for them I don't think that I would be here. I just want to take our princess on holiday to show her what a brave little girl she is and how much we love her. We can't afford to pay for a caravan this year and it will be so hard not having our baby girl with us but we need to show Mia a lovely time instead of the sad few months we have all had."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">They are a lovely family and having met with them it just made us realise that we had made a good decision. Mia was a beautiful young girl with a very big heart who wanted to make her mum feel better. They are going through the hardest time of their lives but they are all being so supportive of each other.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We really hope that the break away will give them the chance to spend some fun time together rebuilding their lives whilst always carrying their special angel with them.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Lindsey has assured us that she will send us some pictures of the holiday and we look forward to hearing about all the things they did together.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This has really cemented the idea that we have always had which is to be able to offer many more families the opportunity of a week away. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We have set up a Just Giving campaign to raise funds to allow us to purchase a 'Charlies-Angel-Centre Foundation' caravan. Once we have our own caravan we will be able to offer 32 families a season the chance to get away together to make new memories. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Over the last year we have supported over 30,000 families in many different ways. If we can offer more breaks away we know it can help bring families a little bit of happiness at a time when all they can see is sorrow.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/charlies-angel-centre/holidayhome?social_utm_term=6m5uaopny" target="_blank">https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/charlies-angel-centre/holidayhome?social_utm_term=6m5uaopny</a></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476798133416303890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279198781554298713.post-3563235142850907622018-07-17T21:21:00.000+01:002018-07-17T21:21:10.284+01:00<span style="font-size: large;">Child loss is a loss like no other. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It is often misunderstood and can be minimised and even dismissed by many.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you know, love or are a bereaved parent remember that even the 'good' days are harder than anyone can ever imagine.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">Advice is something that is definitely not needed, love, understanding and compassion is what these families really need.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">There will never be a day, hour or minute that a bereaved family will stop thinking and loving their child. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">All parents feel unconditional love for their child from the minute they know they are expecting them. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">A bereaved family will continue to unconditionally love their child in heaven just as much as a family who have their child with them. They will want to hear their child's name and they will want to say their child's name just as much as a non bereaved family. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">Even though they may have only had a short period of time with them they will always want to talk about them and share their child with everyone</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Gilda Display, serif;">.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Gilda Display, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Gilda Display, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Even in 2018 it can still be seen as a taboo subject to talk about child death and this can make a grieving family feel like their child is not valued. Child and baby loss needs to be a subject that can be openly talked about, then families can share their loved one with others and feel that they are important to people.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Gilda Display, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Gilda Display, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Over the last 5 years I have found it gets easier to talk about Charlie and feel that more people genuinely want to hear about him. I have come to realise that some people will never find it easy listening to our family talk about Charlie but it will never stop us. We are all so proud of Charlie and how strong he was and we want people to know how special he always will be to us.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Gilda Display, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Gilda Display, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">There is a bond that emerges between bereaved families that enables them to be so supportive to each other. We come together as strangers but become connected by our losses for life. It doesn't matter what walk of life you come from, being a bereaved parent breaks down all barriers. No one else can truly understand the pain and heartbreak that a family is going through like a family that is also grieving the loss of their child.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Gilda Display, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Gilda Display, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">The family will also grieve for a lifetime. There is no 'getting over it', there is no quick fix for this heartache. There is no glue that can mend the broken hearts of a grieving family. There will never be a day where they do not think about and yearn for their child to be here with them.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Gilda Display", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">They will grieve and ache for their child forever. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Gilda Display", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is where they need the support and understanding of others to enable them to keep their child included in every aspect of life. They need to feel able to talk about the important events that their child is missing and to feel that they can be included in family celebrations. Lots of bereaved families like to do something around their child's birthday or at Christmas and being able to do so can give them some comfort.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Gilda Display", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Gilda Display", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We have always described our charity as a 'club' that no one ever wants to join yet it is filled with some of the most amazing, courageous, inspiring and dedicated people you could ever meet. They are so brave and fight every day to keep their heads above water.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Gilda Display", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Love is the most powerful emotion on earth and the unbreakable love between a bereaved parent and their child is something to behold.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Gilda Display", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Gilda Display", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A bereaved family have had to fight to get themselves out of this unimaginable pain and sorrow but it does not mean that they will never feel happiness again. Often they find more happiness in the little things that they probably never would have even noticed before. They see life in a very different way and take nothing for granted any more.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476798133416303890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279198781554298713.post-6628366669969590892018-07-03T20:52:00.002+01:002018-07-03T20:52:50.854+01:00<span style="font-size: large;">The charity is just growing and growing and it makes us feel very proud to see what we have achieved.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Over the last 18 months we have seen so many changes happen with the charity. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our knowledge and understanding of how everything works and legal requirements has been a massive learning curve. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">None of us have had any experience in writing policies or checking legal requirements but we have had to find out and educate ourselves to make sure that everything we do is done properly. It hasn't always been easy and the long legal terms do not make for light reading, however I think we are all pretty proud of how we have grown and developed as people through this and we are now feeling much more confident in our abilities.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We have also found that the charity is now a much more known about resource for the NHS and other organisations to access. Initially I think they were a little wary as we were a new/young charity but we have shown through our dedication and determination that we are a charity that is here to stay and we want to work with other services to ensure that no family ever goes home without support in place.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When we first set up the charity we had a vision of what we wanted to achieve, we wanted no bereaved family to leave hospital without a comprehensive support package in place. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This is still one of our main priorities but we have also developed and refined it as well as adding extra areas we want to be able to support people. As we work with more and more families and different support services we have been able to identify specific areas that are currently not being fully addressed. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We know that it won't happen overnight and we are fully aware that it won't be easy but we are not a charity that is deterred by challenges. We have overcome lots of obstacles over the last 5 years but we have never let them defeat us. Even when we have all been sat down wondering 'what can we do now' we have never seriously thought about giving up.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We were told that many new charities 'go under' within the first 5 years due to pressures and procedures that have to be adhered to. We knew that no matter what challenges we faced we would always be driven by the handsome, angelic face of our very own angel, Charlie Arthur Curtis. Whenever I have felt myself being overwhelmed by what we needed to do I would just look at my pictures of Charlie and knew that I would never give in. I think everyone of us uses Charlie as our inspiration when we are having a 'down day'. Charlie showed courage and strength throughout his short life and if he could be that strong then we could also be strong in his memory.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I honestly think that this is what makes our charity work, it makes others realise that we are not just a charity that will fade away. Families and professionals see that we are a family that understands bereavement and that we are down to earth and are only interested in making bereavement support readily available to families as and when they need it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Whilst we can see that there are changes happening across the country it is not happening quick enough for us. We struggle to understand why and how the bosses are not seeing that there are to many families going without help and support following the death of their baby or child. There are more and more TV programmes that have tackled the story of child and baby loss, many doing so in a fantastic way. The acknowledgement that this happens every day and that the families desperately need help and support can only be a good thing but if the bosses in the relevant services refuse to see that it is an issue then nothing will change.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In the last 12 months there has been a few high profile families that have spoken out about their losses and an MP even stood up in parliament and spoke of her experience. Again this can only help the public and professionals see what is lacking in the provision of bereavement support. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We have been contacted by families all across the UK and have also had families from other countries get in touch with us. We are sadly still hearing of families that are 'slipping through the net' and being left alone to struggle through. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We acknowledge that most people do not want to talk about or hear about babies and children dying, but it is happening and it is happening on a daily basis. There are so many families every day that are having to face this and need to talk and be heard. It is a subject that makes people feel uncomfortable but the more open people are and more understanding of a bereaved families needs then the less uncomfortable it will be. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">No family ever thinks they will have to bury their child, it is not the way life should go. A bereaved family reaching out for help and support takes a huge amount of effort so if you feeling a little uncomfortable can help these families surely it is worth it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Charlies-Angel-Centre Foundation will continue to grow and the number of families we are able to get help and support to will also grow. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We have always said that our 'group' of bereaved families is one that no one ever wants to join but sadly if you do then the help,comfort & support you can get connects us all together for years to come. We have seen this support come back to us as well, several families that have come to us at their most difficult time are now wanting to reach out and give back the support they got to other families. Many become trustees, others help out at events or raise funds for us. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We hope you stay with us as we develop even further, without your support we would not be able to do everything we currently are. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476798133416303890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279198781554298713.post-23283400073434072342018-06-18T21:05:00.001+01:002018-06-18T21:05:12.963+01:00<div style="color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
We have gradually built up our bank of bereavement counsellors over the last 5 years and it always amazes us at their generosity. They give their time to us free to help families deal with their loss. Several work full time, attend college and still find the time to support us.</div>
<div style="color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
One of the many things that the families we have worked with say helps them is specific bereavement counselling. Often they will say that they had been told that they were just 'depressed'. Whilst we know that grief can lead to depression it is also important to recognise that many people are not depressed they are purely grieving.</div>
<div style="color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
Bereavement counselling is a specialised type of counselling that involves supporting individuals who have experienced the loss of a loved one. This counselling helps them work through their grief as well as perhaps learn coping mechanisms to help them when they are on their own. Bereavement counselling is recommended for anyone, of any age, whose loss seems overwhelming or whose life is being adversely affected by their grief.</div>
<div style="color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Grief can be described as an emotional response to the death of a loved one. Most often grief is equated simply with sadness, though this is not exactly the case. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Grief often involves a progression of different emotions and reactions that include shock, numbness, anxiety, anger and sadness. It may take days, weeks, months or even years for someone who is grieving to go through several different emotions, and some people never experience all of these emotions. Others may experience some emotions related to one loss but different emotions due to another.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">This is perfectly normal. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">There is no set rule for grief, but if there is a lack of emotional response, or an emotional response so overwhelming that it begins to affect a person’s employment, education or personal relationships then it may be time to see a counsellor.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Although there is no set way for grief, there are many different ideas about the stages of grief. The most common description of grief is based on there being 5 stages of grief. Denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">However, this does not mean that all bereaved individuals will experience all stages or that all stages will be experienced in the same way, or that all stages will be experienced in the same order. This may help others make sense of grief, but those who are bereaved should be concerned only with what they are feeling and how they are coping – not with fitting into a specific model.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Bereavement counselling, whether it is one-on-one with a private therapist or in a group setting, aims to help an individual explore their emotions. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">At the very first meeting, the client will likely be asked about their loss and about how their own life has been effected by the loss of their baby/child. These questions can make the client become emotional and often tearful. This may be the first time they have expressed to anyone exactly how they are feeling. </span><br />
<div style="color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
Allowing an individual to explore their emotions without feeling guilt or is often what appeals most about bereavement counselling. In group settings people can sometimes feel reluctant to show their true feelings.</div>
<div style="color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
The length of time for which bereavement counselling will continue will most likely be decided between the counsellor and the client, and will likely be discussed as counselling progresses. We are lucky that the counsellors who work with us don't put a specific amount of sessions, they realise that often the families may need to return to counselling at a later date or they may only just be opening up when they reach the usual 6 week session and need more time.</div>
<div style="color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
Turning to bereavement counselling is not an admission of weakness, but instead it is an admission of the strength to seek help when it is needed.</div>
<div style="color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Coping with the loss of a loved one and the resulting mix of emotions can be overwhelming. Allowing yourself time to grieve and come to terms with your own feelings is imperative to finding peace. Though it may seem impossible, you must remember to be patient with yourself and give yourself time to cycle through different emotions and come to a natural feeling of calm or acceptance. </span></div>
<div style="color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">While you wait, try not to make any major decisions such as moving, changing careers, or getting married that might be made due to overriding emotion rather than logical consideration. Most people find some support a source of comfort when they are bereaved, and seeking out caring friends and relatives, an organised support group or professional help may help you work through your emotions. They will likely also remind you that it is important to express your emotions rather than bottle them up inside, and help you remember that though you have suffered a loss, you are still alive and must live your own life.</span></div>
<div style="color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">It is also really important that you also look after your physical health when you are bereaved. It can be very easy to put off eating, or to overeat, as an emotional response to your loss. Staying fit and active with at least 30 minutes of exercise three times per week is also important for maintaining your physical health. You will also want to avoid becoming dependent on alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs to help you cope with your emotions. If at any time you feel that you are becoming physically ill or addicted to a substance, see your GP or a mental health professional immediately to discuss your concerns and create a plan for looking after yourself. </span></div>
<div style="color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Children who experience a loss often work through their grief in a very different way than adults do. Very often children do not have the words to express what they are feeling, so it is their behaviour that may show how they are feeling. Changes in sleeping patterns, bed wetting, eating patterns, thumb sucking and socialising, such as becoming shy or bossy, or avoiding social situations all together, can all be signs of a child trying to cope with bereavement. Children themselves may not even realise that this is what they are doing. </span></div>
<div style="color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Grief can also take a toll on relationships. Partners grieve differently but they also need to have time to grieve together and open up about how they are feeling. Grief can have a number of affects on relationships. Partners may grow closer as they need each for support or realise that they would like to spend more time together, or they could distance themselves as they don't feel able to open up and talk about how they are doing. Some relationships may not experience any changes.</span></div>
<div style="color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Perhaps the greatest mistake someone attempting to comfort or console another can make is to insist on how the other must be feeling. Instead, friends and relatives of the bereaved should be patient with whatever emotions the individual may be feeling without deciding whether these emotions are “right” or “appropriate”. Talking about how each person is feeling often helps everyone stay on the same page and understand more about what others are going through. </span></div>
<div style="color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
</div>
<div style="color: #636363; font-family: "Average Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
Grief is often a solitary, unique experience. Others will never be able to understand exactly how the bereaved person is feeling, so patience with whatever may come will help all relationships stay strong. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476798133416303890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279198781554298713.post-17801179305828663822018-06-04T21:07:00.002+01:002018-06-04T21:07:52.681+01:00<span style="font-size: large;">Dear Charlie,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It's been a while since I wrote you a letter, although I am sure you have heard me chatting away to you at times. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Missing you gets no easier in fact I would say that at times I have found it harder. I think it is because I sit and look at your cousins and see how they are growing and changing and it makes me wish that I could see who you would have become. You would have been coming to the end of your year in Reception class. We would have all been getting those amazing pictures you made at school and trying to decide what they were! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You would have been making your mummy very proud with all your new skills and achievements. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We would have all been looking ahead to coming along to watch you in your first Sport's Day, if you developed your mummy's running skill you would be miles ahead of all your friends. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The reason I wanted to write to you today is to tell you how well your beautiful mummy is doing. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I know you are always looking down on her and protecting her but I wanted to tell you how we are all so proud of how she has kept going. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">She has become such a strong young lady now who is determined to make a difference to the lives of other mummy's, daddy's and their families who have also lost their special angels. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You have made such an impact on so many thousands of families, that's a pretty amazing achievement for someone so young. You truly are a special little boy.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Because of you we have all become stronger and are driven to make sure that no other family goes through the death of a baby or child alone. At times it can be very hard work but when any of us feel like stopping we just take a deep breath, think of you and we get our strength back.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Your mummy has recently got herself a job. It made all of us almost burst with pride. She applied for a few jobs and those that she wasn't successful with she took in her stride and kept going. I am sure she won't mind me saying that not too long ago her anxiety would have not let her even think about applying for jobs let alone keep going to interviews.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I hope she feels as proud of herself as we do, but I think she often doesn't see her achievements like us.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We have seen her grow since starting work, her confidence has grown and she is able to do so much more than she ever thought she could. We all love watching her blossom and we know that you are always there in her thoughts guiding her along. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Please keep on looking down on us and giving us the strength to keep fighting and campaigning. You showed such strength and courage in the little time you were here with us and we know that your fight is what keeps us motivated and determined.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We all love and miss you so very much and we always will. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Love you to the moon and back</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Nanna </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">xxx</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476798133416303890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279198781554298713.post-31878339642721138912018-05-21T21:15:00.000+01:002018-05-21T21:15:27.121+01:00Cumulative Grief<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Lato; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">"Cumulative grief is the term used to describe people that have experienced loss after loss." Many of the families we work with have experienced more than one loss of a baby or child.</span></b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Lato; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">As helpful as it would be to pretend that every time we suffer a loss we have time to process that loss and include it into our lives before we suffer another loss, we know that that is simply not the case. It is all too common that a death is followed by another death. Pain is piled on pain; fear on fear. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Lato; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This experience of suffering a second loss before one has grieved the initial loss is sometimes known as “cumulative grief”, “bereavement overload” or “grief overload”.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Lato; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When another loss happens, how can you possibly know if you have “grieved the initial loss”? </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Lato; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This is a tough question because grief is so individual for all of us. There is no checklist or timeline that works for everyone. But one thing that is common to the many different grief theories out there and to the personal experiences of so many grievers is that grief requires time. We need time to understand and process each loss. If we don’t have the time we need before another loss occurs we end up overwhelmed by these losses and unable to give them the attention they need.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Lato; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When we become overwhelmed by anything our mind kicks into an incredibly powerful defense mechanism, which is avoidance. People try to use avoidance when experiencing just one loss, so it is not surprising that this grows when there are more losses. Though avoidance, denial, and shock may seem like a really bad thing (and it can be if it is never resolved), it can be our body’s way of keeping us functioning in the short term. When we are overloaded with multiple losses, this avoidance allows us to maintain our day to day activities. What becomes important when multiple losses have occurred is an awareness that we may need to make a real effort to begin the work of facing the reality of the loss, as this avoidance can’t continue indefinitely.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Lato; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately, there is no magic answer for how to cope with cumulative grief. But if you have suffered multiple losses there are some important things to remember.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Lato; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u> B<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">e aware of the risk of cumulative loss/grief overload.</span></u> </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Lato; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Knowing is half the battle!</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Lato; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Just being aware that multiple losses in a short period of time can bring up unique challenges and can put you at risk for a grief process that is complicated is important. Cumulative losses do put us at higher risk for prolonged grief. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Lato; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Be sensitive to other friends or family members who have suffered multiple losses and are at risk for cumulative grief</span>. </u></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Lato; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When we lose someone we become absorbed in our own way of grieving. We can find it difficult to deal with people who are grieving differently. Being sensitive to the differences between all grievers is important. This sensitivity can be especially important when someone is facing the unique challenges of cumulative grief.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Lato; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Be aware of the increased possibility of avoidance or denial in instances of cumulative grief</span>. </u></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Lato; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">To make it through, one day at a time, you may find yourself more likely to use avoidance more than you have ever done in the past. This can also increase your risk of alcohol or drug use. These are often used to numb the pain and blot out reality. Being aware that you must grieve all of the losses. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Lato; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Keep in mind that time is not the only factor in cumulative grief</span>. </u></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Lato; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Though it may be tempting to assume that bereavement overload only occurs when deaths occur in immediate succession, this is not the case. A loss that was never fully been grieved years before can be brought back up by a new loss and can be overwhelming.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Lato; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Grief is as unique as each person we lose, so we cannot rush grieving multiple losses</span>. </span></u></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Lato; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Though it can be tempting to think that grief is grief, and we can lump our grief together if we have multiple losses in a short period, the reality is that we must grieve ever loss individually. Grief is not generic to any loss but is specific to each person we lose, our relationship with that person, and the circumstances of that loss. Time must be spent on each loss in order to process them in our lives.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Lato; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Cumulative grief can put a greater strain on our faith.</span></u></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Lato; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">One devastating loss can be difficult enough and can cause us to question our faith in a higher power. When someone suffers multiple losses, this feeling can increase. People can begin to feel they are being punished and have a harder time resolving a God with all the pain they have seen and felt, or struggle with repeatedly experiencing ‘bad things happening to good people’. This is certainly not true in every case of grief overload. Many will continue to find strength in their faith but it is important to know it is normal if your faith shakes as a result of grief overload.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Lato; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Lato; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If you have had multiple losses it is important that you do seek help and support. You may be surprised by how much it can help you and your family. When you are already emotionally and physically exhausted from the pain of one loss, it can help to seek support when more losses happen. If counselling doesn’t feel right for you maybe consider other ways which you can grieve for each of your losses. Find a friend or family member to talk to. Write or journal. Find a creative outlet, like art or photography. Join a support group. Just make it something that works for you and that will allow you the opportunity to deal with each of these losses. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476798133416303890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279198781554298713.post-50859412112642705552018-05-07T20:22:00.001+01:002018-05-07T20:22:58.783+01:00The plans for our 2018 Charity Ball are well and truly underway and it is looking to be the biggest and best yet.<br />
<br />
We always get quite excited about the Ball as it is a time when we can celebrate what the charity has achieved in the last 12 months as well as celebrating the achievements of others that provide support to bereaved families.<br />
<br />
In our first year we gave out 2 awards for our youngest fund raisers as we felt that it was important to recognise the effort and commitment they gave to the charity.<br />
Last year we gave out several more awards to businesses and professionals that we have either worked with, fundraised through or been contacted by families to say how amazing they are and the support they have given them.<br />
<br />
This year we have 8 award categories and we have opened it up to the public to vote for someone who has helped them, supported them or even inspired them.<br />
<u><b>The 8 categories are:</b></u><br />
<br />
Bereavement Support Worker<br />
Best Bereavement Service (Hospital or Community)<br />
Midwife of the Year<br />
Inspirational Individual of the Year<br />
Outstanding Volunteer<br />
Young Fundraiser of the Year<br />
Outstanding Fundraiser of the Year<br />
Corporate Fundraiser of the Year<br />
<br />
We would love to get lots and lots of nominations for each category and if you would like to put someone forward you can by going to our website and clicking on the Charlies Charity Ball page on the drop down menu.<br />
<br />
This year we have also released opportunities for businesses or individuals to come on board as sponsors for each of the awards. This is a brilliant way for companies to become involved and help us to raise as much money as we can to enable us to continue to provide the free services we currently do.<br />
<br />
We are offering 3 different levels of sponsorship:<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Headline Sponsor - £350</b></u></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>10 Free tickets</li>
<li>Programme - full page colour advert in our programme which is given to each guest.</li>
<li>Goodie bag - your flyer added to each goodie bag.</li>
<li>Presentation slide - Your logo featured on a sponsor slide within our presentation shown at the Ball.</li>
<li>Website Marketing - Your logo will be placed on our website sponsors page.</li>
<li>Social Media Marketing - Charlies Charity Ball sponsors will receive regular 'Shout Out's' on our social media outlets with links to your business.</li>
<li>Email Marketing - Charlies Charity Ball sponsors will see their logo included on our newsletter leading up to the event.</li>
<li>Inclusion/credit in press releases produced in relation to the event.</li>
<li>Logo included in the 'Thank You' page of the souvenir brochure.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Table Sponsor - £250</u></b></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>10 Free tickets</li>
<li>Programme - half page colour advert in the programme which is given to every guest.</li>
<li>Goodie Bag - Your flyer added to each goodie bag.</li>
<li>Presentation Slide - Your logo featured on a sponsor slide within our presentation shown at the Ball.</li>
<li>Website Marketing - Your logo will be placed on our website sponsors page.</li>
<li>Social Media Marketing - Charlies Charity Ball sponsors will receive regular 'Shout Out's' on our social media outlets (with links).</li>
<li>Inclusion/credit in the 'Thank You' page of the souvenir brochure.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Award Sponsor £100</u></b></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>4 Free tickets</li>
<li>Programme - half page colour advert in our programme which is given to all guests.</li>
<li>Goodie Bag - Your flyer added to each goodie bag.</li>
<li>Presentation Slide - Your logo featured on a sponsor slide within our presentation at the Ball.</li>
<li>Social Media Marketing - Charlies Charity Ball sponsors will receive regular 'Shout Out's' on our social media outlets.</li>
<li>Logo included in the 'Thank You' page of the souvenir brochure.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
If you or someone you know are interested in any of the opportunities to get involved with our Charity Ball you can either email us at: charliesangelcentre@hotmail.com<br />
or go to our website www.Charlies-Angel-Centre.org.uk and click on the Charity Ball Sponsorship page on the drop down menu.<br />
<br />
We look forward to receiving the nominations and hopefully seeing lot's of you at our Charity Ball & Awards Night 2018. Let's make this years event a night to remember.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476798133416303890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279198781554298713.post-70979031625849391102018-04-30T20:48:00.000+01:002018-04-30T20:48:48.037+01:00<span style="font-size: large;">Last year we were contacted by a lady and her friend who wanted to raise money for our charity as a way of saying thank you for the help and support we gave to their friends after they lost their baby girl. </span><div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">We have met some amazing people who have wanted to raise money for us over the last 5 years and feel very humbled by their dedication and determination.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The latter end of 2017 and so far in 2018 has been great for fundraising and we seem to have reached that point where we are only having to arrange a couple of events ourselves, which is great as it means we have more time to dedicate to the day to day running of the charity and the extra services we are now providing. It is also much easier on our stress levels as organising events can be very tricky and time consuming.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Helen & Dina decided to take on the challenge of a 34 mile walk around 3 Lochs in just 1 day.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">On their JustGiving page they explained why they had chosen to undertake the challenge.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">"We are raising money for Charlies-Angel-Centre and supporting bereaved parents and families. The charity has helped to support one of my best friends through a very tough time in her life and I have heard from her all the fantastic work they do, supporting her and her husband and only on public donations.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Charlies-Angel-Centre needs to be recognised for their hard work in order to support families through hard times."</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">After they had completed the event we were really happy to receive some of their photos from the day.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQkIiHcyQjBC64cvD4Qy6u8nvSzKRczW_Kgyo8l-Js3CFGDEPCM1MVPbXuSGoqhFSBYuqJfcQZYqKgCDVoo2GUJMGM4hYetopwYv5OJEGCfaGNxd3rHSCdfhSoFMVNeZivzcAHrOQ_fQ/s1600/31706372_10155290275100636_9018302677209055232_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQkIiHcyQjBC64cvD4Qy6u8nvSzKRczW_Kgyo8l-Js3CFGDEPCM1MVPbXuSGoqhFSBYuqJfcQZYqKgCDVoo2GUJMGM4hYetopwYv5OJEGCfaGNxd3rHSCdfhSoFMVNeZivzcAHrOQ_fQ/s400/31706372_10155290275100636_9018302677209055232_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmA56QXNcp1UjeXaklb-voC4JsmzssTg4Lef_vFQXNy5ihrXzpLUm5n32I8BKeQpa72Hd_n0_MyxAp0-Uvh9-mw-YfvDbVtrZiR6gieciuQQ-gccBTweICALPmimBLtcxEu10kQztivJ4/s1600/31674082_10155290264765636_3281141837737230336_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmA56QXNcp1UjeXaklb-voC4JsmzssTg4Lef_vFQXNy5ihrXzpLUm5n32I8BKeQpa72Hd_n0_MyxAp0-Uvh9-mw-YfvDbVtrZiR6gieciuQQ-gccBTweICALPmimBLtcxEu10kQztivJ4/s400/31674082_10155290264765636_3281141837737230336_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4llb9W5rko/WudsCF65NEI/AAAAAAAACQw/2EtqaFIGAsQqMn1kHzvl0QVzzJu1cd49QCLcBGAs/s1600/31563875_10155290270385636_3825857859690692608_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4llb9W5rko/WudsCF65NEI/AAAAAAAACQw/2EtqaFIGAsQqMn1kHzvl0QVzzJu1cd49QCLcBGAs/s400/31563875_10155290270385636_3825857859690692608_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfiLuak14MKbGOwflQ9Nnj1EFRZwa0FGvK03LBnzR9mWAz9K8jG7gjRrFUATV1sHuIrtf7nTeYvgQVLspOxdTsLy-eLQm76YahDU1eHokMhokxEXOdKDBKi9WBpPykKi6Dkac8WYQkbk/s1600/31543521_10155290272390636_6878438404271374336_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfiLuak14MKbGOwflQ9Nnj1EFRZwa0FGvK03LBnzR9mWAz9K8jG7gjRrFUATV1sHuIrtf7nTeYvgQVLspOxdTsLy-eLQm76YahDU1eHokMhokxEXOdKDBKi9WBpPykKi6Dkac8WYQkbk/s400/31543521_10155290272390636_6878438404271374336_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI554VfYHeT7nxsvgHZVSWRlGjDiquFQugv6Rq_3_lp7tGngYx5sjCS5x7tQRORF50H8qwl_CG528ynqYXCP6t7U-TkLeoiKWOdfGYfwfXKs2SMlFmI6CLB9O-P3FU5rjRKubr_Mh5Z_Q/s1600/31517967_10155290268830636_4689653521824350208_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI554VfYHeT7nxsvgHZVSWRlGjDiquFQugv6Rq_3_lp7tGngYx5sjCS5x7tQRORF50H8qwl_CG528ynqYXCP6t7U-TkLeoiKWOdfGYfwfXKs2SMlFmI6CLB9O-P3FU5rjRKubr_Mh5Z_Q/s400/31517967_10155290268830636_4689653521824350208_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmblIFdTQs2x7Hf8Z2nV6w_8QxUCUXjfJY2Lrt2Io3zeVnrTaYNVIGmeEjPJ0MEnkTuvdgdTNhCJ_U9JbRVUG0wqZkO_rtDuAuyF4OYEztRUsyrzomQqOW5XxaaYBXxW60Bg41mpn_kQ/s1600/31498552_10155290277435636_8376572780082102272_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmblIFdTQs2x7Hf8Z2nV6w_8QxUCUXjfJY2Lrt2Io3zeVnrTaYNVIGmeEjPJ0MEnkTuvdgdTNhCJ_U9JbRVUG0wqZkO_rtDuAuyF4OYEztRUsyrzomQqOW5XxaaYBXxW60Bg41mpn_kQ/s400/31498552_10155290277435636_8376572780082102272_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">They managed to raise the amazing amount of £577.50 on their Justgiving page. Helen has asked if they can come over to meet us at our office to hand over the cash donations they also have received. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">We are really looking forward to meeting them and saying a massive Thank You. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476798133416303890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279198781554298713.post-69510235378753557532018-04-23T17:38:00.001+01:002018-04-23T17:38:53.643+01:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">What is Normal after your child dies? <br />
<br />
Normal is having tears waiting behind every smile when you </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">realise someone
important is missing from all the important</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">events in your family's life. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
Normal is trying to decide what to take to the cemetery for </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Birthdays, X-mas,
Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, New Years, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Valentine's Day, July 4th and Passover. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
Normal is feeling like you can't sit another minute without </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">getting up and
screaming, because you just don't like to sit through anything anymore. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
Normal is not sleeping very well because a thousand what if's</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">& why didn't
I's go through your head constantly. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
Normal is reliving the moment your baby/child died </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">continuously through your
eyes and mind, holding your head</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">to make it go away. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
Normal is having the TV on the minute you walk into the </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">house to have noise,
because the silence is deafening. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
Normal is staring at every child who looks like they are your</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">child’s age. And
then thinking of the age they would be now. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then wondering why it is even
important to imagine it,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">because it will never happen. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
Normal is every happy event in your life always being backed</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">up with sadness
lurking close behind, because of the hole in</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">your heart. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
Normal is telling the story of your child's death as if it were an</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">everyday,
commonplace activity, and then seeing the horror </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">in someone's eyes at how awful
it sounds. And yet realizing it has become a part of your "normal." </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
Normal is each year coming up with the difficult task of how</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">to honour your childs’s
memory and their birthdays and </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">survive these days. And trying to find the
balloon or flag that fit's the occasion. Happy Birthday? Not really. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
Normal is my heart warming and yet sinking at the sight of</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">something special my
child loved. Thinking how they would </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">love it, but how they are not here to
enjoy it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
Normal is having some people afraid to mention my child’s</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">name. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Normal is making sure that others remember them. <br />
<br />
Normal is after the funeral is over everyone else goes on with</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">their lives, but
we continue to grieve our loss forever. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
Normal is weeks, months, and years after the initial shock,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">the grieving gets
worse, not better. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
Normal is not listening to people compare anything in their</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">life to this loss,
unless they too have lost a child. Nothing compares.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
NOTHING.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Even if your child is in the remotest part of the earth away</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">from you - it
doesn't compare. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
Losing a parent is horrible, but having to bury your own child</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">is unnatural. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
Normal is taking pills, and trying not to cry all day, because</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">you know your
mental health depends on it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
Normal is realising you do cry every day. <br />
<br />
Normal is being impatient with everything and everyone but</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">someone stricken
with grief over the loss of their child. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
Normal is sitting at the computer crying, sharing how you feel</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">with chat
buddies who have also lost a child. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Normal is not listening to people make excuses for God.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"God may have done this because…" </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
I know my child is in "heaven," but hearing people trying to</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">think up
excuses as to why a fantastic young child was taken from this earth is not
appreciated and makes absolutely no sense to this grieving mother. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
Normal is being too tired to care if you paid the bills, cleaned</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">the house, did
the laundry or if there is any food. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
Normal is wondering this time whether you are going to say</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">you have two
children or one child, because you will never </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">see this person again and it is not
worth explaining that your child is dead. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
And yet when you say you have one child to avoid that</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">problem, you feel
horrible as if you have betrayed the dead child. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
Normal is asking God why he took your child's life instead of</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">yours and asking
if there even is a God. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
Normal is knowing you will never get over this loss, not in a</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">day nor a million
years. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
Normal is having therapists agree with you that you will never</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"really" get over the pain and that there is nothing they can do to
help you because they know only bringing back your child back from the dead
could possibly make it "better." </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
Normal is learning to lie to everyone you meet and telling</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">them you are fine.
You lie because it makes others uncomfortable if you cry. You've learned it's
easier to lie to them then to tell them the truth that you still feel empty and
it's probably never going to get any better -- ever. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
And last of all... <br />
<br />
Normal is hiding all the things that have become "normal" for</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">you to
feel, so that everyone around you will think that you are "normal."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476798133416303890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279198781554298713.post-15269095035878214362018-04-16T20:39:00.000+01:002018-04-16T20:39:37.472+01:00<br /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here is our April 2018 Newsletter. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We always enjoy keeping you all up to date with what we have achieved and more importantly what you have helped us to achieve. The work we do would not be possible without the loyal help and support we get from all of you.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you would like to contribute to our next newsletter, July 2018, with your story please send us an email to charliesangelcentre@hotmail.com. Often hearing others experiences can help other families and makes them feel less alone and isolated. Knowing that someone else can identify with the grief and pain you and your family are going through can bring comfort. We know from experience that many good friendships have happened through sharing their angels with each other and being able to support each other through the 'wobbly' times.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We hope you enjoy reading our latest Newsletter, feel free to share it with all of your friends and family. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://shoutout.wix.com/so/dMARUi81?cid=a050f546-4c48-4f83-bb89-e4315efedb8e#/main" target="_blank">https://shoutout.wix.com/so/dMARUi81?cid=a050f546-4c48-4f83-bb89-e4315efedb8e#/main</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476798133416303890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279198781554298713.post-48253271009164063492018-04-08T19:38:00.000+01:002018-04-08T19:38:14.073+01:00<span style="font-size: large;">Losing a baby hurts regardless of what stage of pregnancy you are at.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Since losing Charlie and being thrown into the world of bereavement support we have come to understand how painful, both physically and mentally, child loss is. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Before Charlie came into our lives most of us had never really thought about the effects of child or baby loss. We may have had family members that had been through a miscarriage but it was never really spoken about. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It has only been in the last 5 years or so that this subject is becoming more openly spoke about. The soap's often get slated for their portrayal of difficult storylines but the way that several of them have dealt with baby loss over the last few years has been commendable. Not only have they sensitively looked at the impact it has on all members of the family but they have also raised the profile of bereavement support for families following the loss of a baby or child. This has made it easier for people to go and seek support and it has made the people offering the support more recognisable. There is still a huge gap between the number of services available and the amount of families needing help and support and we can only hope that these services continue to grow. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When we were looking for help there were very limited resources available to us and it felt as if we were just thrown into the abyss. We know that there is more help out there now but it is still inadequate for the amount of families that need it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Across the UK the picture is pretty much the same as Leeds, although there are some areas that seem to be able to offer a consistently high level of support. We have been campaigning for improvements to the current levels of bereavement support after the loss of a baby or child for several years now and we will not give up our campaign until we see that all families, regardless of where they live, are getting the help they need when they need it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There are still some people that think that if a woman loses her baby during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy that it isn't a 'big deal'. Often we hear how friends and relatives have even said 'well it isn't really a baby yet'. To that couple, when they saw those lines on the pregnancy test, it is their baby. Having someone they love refer to their baby as not really being a baby yet is so hurtful. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Even the terminology used by the professionals when it comes to losing a baby before 12 weeks makes the family feel that their baby was not valued or respected in their own rites. Often the Dr's and nurses will refer to the baby as 'products of conception' or 'foetus'. Both of these are very impersonal and if you were the parent hearing your child spoken about like this I'm sure you would feel devastated and angry. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I understand that the staff are busy but please remember to show some compassion, these families are facing probably the hardest loss they will ever go through and your treatment of them can make a huge difference to how they are able to process what is happening.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Recently the laws surrounding the certification of babies born before 24 weeks of pregnancy has been in the headlines and a review is currently underway. This could make a big difference to the families who at the moment are not even able to get a certificate acknowledging that their baby was even here. This recognition of their babies existence will have a big impact on the families mental well being as they will have a legal document that shows that their baby did exist.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If a family lose their baby after 24 weeks the family are automatically allowed to register them as a still birth, but if the baby is even just 1 day off from 24 weeks they cannot.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The term 'miscarriage' also has different meanings to different people. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If the baby is lost before 12 weeks it is called an early miscarriage and from 12 - 24 weeks it is classed as a late miscarriage. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When you talk to people about miscarriage they often think that it means that the lady will just naturally pass the baby with very little effect or pain. Some will even say that it must be like just having a period.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">However we know that this is not the case for many women. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Whilst some ladies may pass the baby in what they describe as being a 'heavy period' many more will have very different experiences. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Lots of l<span style="font-size: large;">adies have told us that it started with them beginning to feel contractions and once in hospital they will have to go through full labour to deliver their baby and others have even had to undergo surgery to deliver their child. None of these different ways are going to be painless and will have a very big emotional and mental impact on both the mum and dad. </span></span><br />
<br /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We have also spoken with parents that have had to make the very difficult decision to end their pregnancy due to either the babies physical health being incompatible with life or that continuing the pregnancy could result in the death of the mother. To even begin to understand how these families feel is impossible. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">No one should ever have to make such tragic decisions but then to have their choice referred to as a 'termination' is heart breaking. Many families will not refer to their loss as a termination to family due to the way it makes others think about it. They will say that they have had a miscarriage rather than feel like they are being judged for their decision. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There are still such negative thoughts about the word termination and it gives people the idea that you have chosen to end the pregnancy for no specific reason. None of the families we have spoken with would ever have wanted to make the choice to terminate their pregnancy, their baby was very much wanted and loved.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The word termination usually makes people think of young girls who have become pregnant and are not ready to become a mum. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This is NOT the case for families seeking a termination for medical reasons. There has been some talk about finding a better way of describing it and one that we have been told by a family we support is 'compassionate induction'. I think that this is a much gentler way of describing what the family is going through and could make it much easier for them to openly talk about their loss without fear of being judged.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As a charity we will support any family that has lost a baby or a child regardless of how the loss happened or how long ago it was. No one should ever be judged for the decisions they make about their lives, unless you have walked in their shoes you have no idea how much turmoil they have been through and continue to go through. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Bereavement is hard enough to deal with without the added stress of wondering how people will be with you. If you know a family that have experienced a loss please reach out to them, make them see that there are people out there who care and want to help. It can be as simple as just a smile as you pass by to a hug just at the right time.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Life is to short and to precious to spend your time worrying about what others think. Sharing a problem can help you to cope with it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">No one should ever go through grief alone.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476798133416303890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279198781554298713.post-51853855325199506142018-04-01T17:04:00.002+01:002018-04-01T17:04:41.192+01:00<span style="font-size: large;">Easter can be another very difficult time for families who have lost a baby or child.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">All the shops are full of Easter eggs or gifts, TV is full of adverts for Easter and getting together as a family. Everywhere you look there are pictures of families all happily enjoying their Easter Day. Even buses and billboards are full of Easter promotional pictures.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Even if you go out to eat over the holidays all the restaurants are full of adverts and special Easter meal deals. There seems to be no escape from it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Easter is portrayed as being family time and you feel that you are excluded from this on the basis that your child is not here. This can make you feel even more alone and isolated. </span><br />
<br /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you go back to the origins of Easter you see that it is <span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">supposed to be about celebrating new life and remembering the sacrifice Jesus gave to his followers and his rise from the dead to take his place beside his father in heaven. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">This has lost some of its significance over the years as it has become another commercialised celebration. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Like Christmas, the big companies hijack the true meaning of the story to benefit themselves. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">It is sad that we live in a world where money means more than people.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you are a Christian and attend church over the Easter holidays this can bring conflict to your beliefs. You want to go along and celebrate with your fellow believers but you may also feel conflicted by how could God allow something so awful to happen to your child. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Many will get comfort from going along to their church and being around others that share the same beliefs. Often families have spoken that it has taken them a while to return to their church as they had felt very angry towards God for allowing their loss to happen. Many are now able to return and have found great comfort and peace from going back to the church.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A lot of families will find their own way of getting through this time of year. I know many families that use this extended weekend to do or make things in memory of their child. I have seen Easter pictures incorporating their child' name, baking chocolate crispy cakes for theirs and other families, visiting their child's grave to take some Easter decorations and spending some time there with their angel.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Other families may decide to try and avoid all the celebrations that are going on. They feel like locking themselves away and doing anything else but celebrate. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Whichever way you decide to get through another commercialised 'family time of year' <span style="font-size: large;">is the right one for you. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Don't feel pressured into feeling that you have to join in if you don't want to. Let people know that this Easter you want to spend some time either with your partner or even alone. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">You may wish to buy other children in the family a gift but if you even find this too difficult don't make yourself feel bad or guilty. You can always plan to take them out after the holidays to do something e.g. go to the park or swimming.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Some families find it useful to do something totally different over the holiday period. Maybe take a couple of days away together, or go off and visit places you have wanted to see. Anything that is different to how you would normally have been spending your time can be helpful. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Breaking the routine can also give your brain a break from the worrying of how to act around others who want to be celebrating Easter.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As the years have gone on I find it harder at Easter time when I am buying Easter eggs for my other grandchildren. I will stand there and find my mind thinking of which ones I would be buying Charlie, would he have liked normal chocolate or would he be like his mummy and prefer white chocolate. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It makes you focus on the fact that he would have been 5 this Easter and would have been really involved and excited about the Easter Bunny visiting. How we would have all loved to be standing there this week putting eggs in the trolley for him.</span><br />
<br /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">However you decide to get through the holidays remember to go easy on yourself. Life is so hard at times, for you to then be giving yourself a hard time about it. Give yourself time to do what you want to do or need to do to be able to keep going.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Be gentle on your heart.<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476798133416303890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279198781554298713.post-63309494825626748022018-03-25T17:26:00.003+01:002018-03-25T17:26:49.933+01:00<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When is the right time to have another baby after losing one.<br />
<br /><br />
With most families the risk of it happening again is very low but the fear of losing another baby can sometimes be too much of a risk for them to take.<br />
There is never a set period of time that a couple should wait before trying to get pregnant again. It is a very personal choice and no two families will be the same.<br />
<br /><br />
Some families may go on to get pregnant again very quickly and find it helps them to deal with their grief. <br />
<br /><br />
If your baby has died it is so important that you allow yourself time to grieve and try to come to terms with what has happened. Don't put pressure on yourselves to try and conceive again if you are not totally sure it is what you want. <br />
On the flip side don't let others make you feel wrong for deciding to try again so quickly. Unless you have been through this situation you cannot understand, judge or advise them for the decisions they make.<br />
<br /><br />
A new baby will never replace the child you lost and it might not ease the feelings of pain and loss. It is important that you see the new baby as a new life that is an individual.<br />
<br /><br />
Your doctor may suggest that you try and wait for at least 3 months before trying to conceive. This is to allow your body to return to its pre pregnancy state and all the physical changes your body needs to make.<br />
<br /><br />
Some parents however may be so desperate to try again as soon as possible, they feel that they need to fill the void in their lives that their baby has left. Their arms can physically ache with no baby to cradle.<br />
If there has been a medical or genetic reason for your loss then that can have an impact on your decision whether to become pregnant again. You may be advised to have tests or investigations before trying to get pregnant again.<br />
<br /><br />
Another pregnancy is going to be filled with stress and anxiety for both parents as well as their extended families. <br />
When a child dies it is not just the parents that are impacted and the other members of the family will also feel the anxieties a new pregnancy will bring. <br />
The father may be feeling anxiety for several reasons, he will not only be worried for the new baby but also for his partner, wondering if things will go wrong again or if the pregnancy will cause medical difficulties for them. He may also be scared that the pregnancy will end in the same way and how would they both be able to deal with this.<br />
Even if the pregnancy progresses normally it will still be difficult for both to feel positive and excited because of the anxieties they have. Those 9 months of pregnancy can feel like an eternity.<br />
<br /><br />
Most families that have lost a child will find that they are given much more support through future pregnancies. This can be just seeing the midwife at an earlier time and on a more regular basis to being offered weekly scans to try and allay any worries.<br />
<br /><br />
The term given to a baby after a loss is called a 'Rainbow Baby'. After a storm comes a rainbow - This couldn't be more true for the parents. They have been through the worst possible storm they could ever imagine and their new baby is like the rainbow that comes along when the sun comes out.<br />
<br /><br />
Several of the families that we have helped and supported have gone on to or are currently expecting their rainbow babies. We are seeing how difficult subsequent pregnancies can be and that their level of support can increase again throughout the pregnancy. <br />
Happily we have now began to receive pictures of several rainbows. It warms our hearts to get these and whilst we know it will have been so difficult for the parents they will also be feeling that a little piece of their hearts has been mended.<br />
<br /><br />
Currently we run support groups for families following the loss of a baby or child and we know that not every county has this kind of provision on offer. Support to families can make such a massive difference to them and we have seen parents who have come to us feeling that there was no reason to keep going now starting to take those first steps to healing.<br />
<br /><br />
Our next area of support that we want to start is a group for those families that have gone on to have their rainbow baby. They still need help, friendship and support. The feelings they have of anxiety don't go away totally even when their baby is here and they still need a place where they feel comfortable to talk about their worries but can also share the happiness their new child has bought.<br />
<br /><br />
If there were specific support groups across the country for families following a loss and then for after when they have had their rainbow baby then these families would be able to access the help they need to move forward.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476798133416303890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279198781554298713.post-75243418792600790692018-03-18T18:26:00.000+00:002018-03-18T18:26:07.559+00:00<span style="font-size: large;">We started our petition on Change.org a couple of years ago and for the first 18 months we saw the signatures rise slowly but steadily. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We knew that it would take time and it would build and get more signatures as the charity got bigger and our social media audience grew.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">At times it could be quite disheartening, the cause behind the petition is so important to us and we wanted to see the numbers rise quickly. However we all spoke about it and realised that it would take patience and perseverance, just like it has been for the charity.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Over the last 3 months the signatures have started to rise at a much quicker rate and it is exciting every time we click on to see what the current total is.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To us it makes total sense that the current bereavement support available to families after the death of a baby or child needs changing. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We are getting families contacting us or visiting our website on a daily basis looking for help and support. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If the current bereavement services were working effectively then our charity would not be developing at the rate it currently is. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In an ideal world there would never have been a need for us to start our charity as Carrie would have been given the correct help and support when she needed it. But that didn't happen and here we are over 5 years later and families are still not receiving the correct support.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It makes us really angry to see that very little has changed since 2012. Initially we thought maybe Leeds was just a one off but now we have families from all across the UK saying that they have been through or are going through loss without professional support. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There is always talk about local authorities carrying out service reviews but then nothing else seems to happen. Often we think that they make the right noises when it is coming up to election time or when there has been a high profile incident in the press. Once the press has died down and the elections have passed then suddenly the review seems to strangely get put on hold for a more 'important issue'.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There are so many bereaved parents and families out there that are crying out for help and support and thankfully now many are receiving that through us, but there are hundreds more sitting at home not knowing where to turn or who to talk to. No one should ever have to go through the death of their baby or child alone.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We are happy to be able to provide for these families but the professionals need to take some ownership of the service they provide, or should I say don't provide at the minute.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Co-operation and collaboration is a big part of making improvements work and we have always been willing to meet with and work with any service if it means that the families benefit. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We do not want to cause a fuss but if we think that things are not improving then we are more than happy to stand up and speak for the families that are struggling.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">They need a voice, they are going through one of the hardest losses any family will have to and many need an advocate that will put forward their opinions and feelings. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When our petition reaches a certain amount of signatures it will become an agenda item in parliament, this is so important as only then will the MP's that seem to have all the power to initiate changes know what the reality is. Our petition is linked to the Department of Health and when someone signs it sends an email to the relevant department saying another signature has been completed. It would be great if we could get so many signing that they become fed up of having emails about us. It would be great to keep them busy and make them look at the thousands of families that this is affecting.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you haven't signed our petition please do it now whilst you are reading, and don't forget to share it with every single person you know and even those you don't know.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.change.org/p/department-of-health-to-ensure-a-coordinated-package-of-aftercare-for-all-families-following-the-loss-of-a-baby-child-which-will-involve-midwives-gps-and-full-support-networks" target="_blank">https://www.change.org/p/department-of-health-to-ensure-a-coordinated-package-of-aftercare-for-all-families-following-the-loss-of-a-baby-child-which-will-involve-midwives-gps-and-full-support-networks</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Lets work together to make the UK the best country in the world for bereavement support following the death of a baby or child. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our initial goal was to make Leeds the flagship city in the provision of bereavement support but over the months this has changed. Now that we are helping families all across the country we know that it needs to be a UK wide goal.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476798133416303890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279198781554298713.post-72645537814310793782018-03-11T12:34:00.000+00:002018-03-11T12:34:04.944+00:00<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 24.96px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Mother's Day can bring about many different emotions for a grieving mum. Most will have positive memories of when they were younger and enjoyed spoiling their mother and buying presents. Whilst they still want to honour their own mum the day is now overtaken by the grief they feel at not having their child with them.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 24.96px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">For weeks and weeks the shops have been marketing 'Mothers Day' with companies like Clinton's and Card Factory having signs everywhere reminding people not to forget their Mothers Day cards and gifts. We know and understand that these businesses have to sell to keep the business running but the over promotion of this day is just another blow to the grieving mum's and serves as another cruel reminder of another holiday spent without their child.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 24.96px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Each year without their child does not make Mother's Day any easier to cope with. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 24.96px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">O</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">ften we hear that mum's want to hide away or go out somewhere where no one else is going to be as a way of trying to avoid the families out there enjoying the celebrations.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 24.96px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Here are some ideas that can be helpful to you as you approach any special days throughout the year.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 24.96px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><u><b>Be gentle with yourself</b></u></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 24.96px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">You may be feeling angry, sad, guilty or a range of emotions because your child died before you. It is not the natural order of life, a parent feels that they should never have to bury their child. Don't worry or try to suppress these emotions, they are a very common feeling and need to be acknowledged. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 24.96px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Don't push yourself into joining others for the celebrations if you do not feel ready for it. You need to protect your own feelings rather than doing what others think you should do.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 24.96px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><u><b>Seek out emotional support</b></u></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 24.96px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Seeking help and support is not a sign of weakness, it takes great courage to reach out to others and say you need help. Unfortunately we live in a society that seems to be led by time constraints and deadlines and grief does not come with a time limit. Grief is different for everyone and everyone grieves in their own time.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 24.96px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><u><b>Be patient with yourself</b></u></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 24.96px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Try to talk openly about your child with family and friends and encourage them to talk about them as well. Often people don't want to talk as they feel that it will make you feel worse but that can never happen. You are already feeling your worse and by sharing it can make you feel more supported and understood. Hearing your child's name, especially on Mothers Day, can be helpful. You are still a mum and they are still your child it is just that you cannot share the day together. You need to be acknowledged as a mum.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 24.96px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Don't rush yourself either, if you do not feel ready to talk openly about your child don't worry. Just be patient with yourself and acknowledge that it is ok not to be ready yet.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 24.96px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><u><b>Create your own memorial</b></u></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 24.96px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">On Mothers Day find a way that you can put your energy into doing something in memory of your child.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 24.96px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">If you are the grandparent, remember that it can mean so much to your child to send them a card. This acknowledges that they are still a mother and that it is their day as well. Many feel that because they do not have their child with them they don't warrant a card. If anything they need the card more, they need to know that they are remembered for the mother they are. We still get Carrie cards and presents on Mother's Day, she still is and always will be Charlie's mother and needs to be honoured for that.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 24.96px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><b><u>Light a Candle</u></b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 24.96px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Allow yourself time during the day to have some quiet time, maybe light a candle, to sit and have some focussed time. Sometimes this can be quite helpful in giving you some time to think about your child and how they still effect your life every day.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 24.96px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><u><b>Give yourself permission to grieve and talk</b></u></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 24.96px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Whilst some people might make you feel uncomfortable talking about your child it is so important that you do so. If your child had stayed with you then people would expect you to be talking about them, just because they are not here does not make them any less important. You need to share them with others and are proud to talk about them. You will find the people that want to hear about them and are happy to share their memories with you. Make sure that these are the ones that you surround yourself with on Mother's Day. Grieving needs you to talk about them, acknowledge that they were here and celebrate the achievements they made. We all talk with great pride of Charlie's 19 minutes of life. He was a tough cookie who fought to try and stay with his mummy. Charlie's life, however small, has gone on to affect so many lives and we will always want to talk about him and celebrate his contribution to the changes in bereavement support.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 24.96px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><u><b>Talk with your spouse/partner</b></u></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 24.96px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Talking to your spouse/partner and encourage them to express their feelings as well. Even if the partner isn't the child's biological parent they are still affected by their death. They love you and seeing you struggle is difficult for them. Talking can help them to understand how the death has changed your life. They want to feel that they can support and help you.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 24.96px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">If they are the biological parent they too need to grieve and often partners don't seem to want to talk to each other. Often I think this is because they both feel that they will upset the other one if they talk about their baby. In reality sharing their thoughts and emotions can help them both to try and cope with the pain and grief.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">If you know a bereaved family remember to wish them a happy Mothers' Day, Fathers' Day, Baby's' birthday, they will appreciate that you have both remembered them and that you have acknowledged that they are still parents.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476798133416303890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1279198781554298713.post-20021059590772107172018-03-04T20:19:00.001+00:002018-03-04T20:19:36.422+00:00<span style="font-size: large;">We are already really busy making plans for our 3rd Charity Ball on 29th September 2018.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpo04hHE2hG90sSmpCqp1x2mhV6bXnylkYEkzzHrsQs8ufb8tizOJIFdvwT5wNQ94ggKN84c7hJsVdLxy3xiwDE6d7BpZSEnliRBLv-cPJw4K1GR4TsaWYIFwpjZ5QV6ruBHwQAZWsIY/s1600/28279709_971403499692777_5625502485416582004_n+ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpo04hHE2hG90sSmpCqp1x2mhV6bXnylkYEkzzHrsQs8ufb8tizOJIFdvwT5wNQ94ggKN84c7hJsVdLxy3xiwDE6d7BpZSEnliRBLv-cPJw4K1GR4TsaWYIFwpjZ5QV6ruBHwQAZWsIY/s400/28279709_971403499692777_5625502485416582004_n+ball.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Each year we become better and better at organising events, using everything we have learnt from previous ones. It has been a huge learning curve for everyone of us but now we are pretty good at approaching people and companies for services, gifts and donations. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">To start it felt very unnatural asking for things for free, but now we are seeing how much we are able to support families because of it it has become much easier. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When you work with so many families, and see them at the lowest they have ever been in their lives and know that we are able to provide that help, friendship and support, knowing that we can do this because of the generosity of all of our supporters makes you feel very lucky.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">This year the Ball is going to be our best one yet, we have lots of exciting things planned and we have already been able to secure the services of some great people.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">At both of our previous Ball's we have given a few awards to people we wanted to thank for the contribution they make to both the charity but also to the families we work with.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">This year, as the charity has grown and grown, we are opening up our awards to the public. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">We want people to put forward nominees that they think deserve recognition for things they have done regardless of where in the country they are from. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">They could have raised funds for your favourite charity, have they gone above and beyond and supported you or your family, is there someone you admire and want to say thank you to. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">We have several categories for nominations;</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Bereavement Support Worker</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Best Bereavement Service (Hospital or Community)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Midwife of the Year</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Inspirational Individual of the Year</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Outstanding Volunteer</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Young Fundraiser of the Year</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Corporate Fundraiser of the Year</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">So if you know someone you would like to put forward or you know a family that might want to make a nomination please do it. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">We want to be able to give a big THANK YOU to all the nominations for all the help and support they give. Often these people are the ones who do it because they care and do not do it for recognition. However we feel that they deserve to be acknowledged and praised.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">There is a nomination form on our website that anyone can complete. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">www.Charlies-Angel-Centre.org.uk </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">We look forward to sharing all the nominees with you once the closing date has arrived.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01476798133416303890noreply@blogger.com0