Esme's siblings have grown up knowing about the sister who came before them.

Our daughter Esme died in 2013, just two weeks away from her due date of early October. Her stillbirth came as the most horrific shock after what had been a first pregnancy full of joy and eager anticipation. 

We had no answers as to why she had died, so even the idea of attempting another pregnancy was terrifying, but we felt we owed it to Esme to at least brave trying.  

We were relieved beyond belief when our son Jago was born just over 13 months later, and Ayla in 2017. 

Remembering Esme

Esme's siblings have grown up knowing about the sister who came before them. One of the hardest things has been trying to answer questions from them about why Esme died - they don't experience anything close to the anguish and grief my husband and I live with everyday, but they miss her, wonder who she would have been, and feel frustration and heartache along with us that we don't know why Esme died.  

I've wanted to offer them hope that it doesn't have to be this way so have told them about the work of healthcare professionals and scientists who care, and who are striving to save the lives of babies like Esme.  

Tommy's Walk for Hope

My husband and I have raised money for Tommy's several times in the past as a small contribution to this work. We always do something as a family to honour and celebrate Esme's life around her birthday, so with the Walk for Hope this year we are looking forward to being able to do something special to combine the two.  

It's so meaningful to us to be able to look forward to doing this as a family and fundraising alongside other families who 'get it' more than most. 

Jago and Ayla have also both expressed a desire to be scientists when they grow up so my secret hope is that they could even work for Tommy's one day...! 

Take part in the Tommy's Walk for Hope on Saturday 7 October, London.