Family runners raise money for King's Lynn baby bereavement charity

One group of runners in the pink for Sunday’s GEAR 10k in Lynn was that from Theresa’s Tiny Treasures.

TTT is a registered West Norfolk baby bereavement charity started in 2015 by ex-midwife Theresa Ann McGrath.

The charity is offered to families losing a longed-for baby at any stage of pregnancy and after birth and in the early stages of infancy.

Support given to families has been invaluable and families running for Team Elsie and Team Eliza at the GEAR 10k in Lynn made an emotional impact, adorned in pink T shirts, and getting uproarious applause when they crossed the finish line from the spectators.

The help both families have received from the charity is reflected in the funds they are raising for the charity. The families did not know each other but were able to be introduced on the day.

Kian Fowler and Stacey Clayton, from Wisbech, are parents to their older daughter and twins Fleur and Elsie. A big turn out of family and friends were running in memory of baby Elsie who was still born.

Elsie is twin sister to Fleur, now aged one and the family and friends have raised more than £1,000 for Theresa’s Tiny Treasures.

Kian said:”Theresa has been so good to us.”

Stacey said: “It means everything today to keep Elsie’s memory alive and to be there as a family. We have so far raised £1,100.”

Elsie’s grandad, David Clayton, 59 who ran the 10k in one hour and 14 minutes said: “I felt emotional coming up to the finish line.”

Team Eliza also had a big family turn out, equally emblazoned in bright pink T- shirts.

Liam and Sarah Chapman are parents to Eliza who was still born and who would have been three-and-a-half. They have recently had their baby Liberty who is almost 10 months.

Sarah said: “Everyone’s stories are different but the pain and loss is the same. Today about 15 were running and it’s great to hear Eliza’s name being called out.”

The charity provides much needed support at a tragically difficult time for families who have experienced still births and loss in different stages of pregnancy, including keepsakes and a listening service.

If you have been affected by similar issues contact TTT