Northampton couple to 'give something back' to neonatal charity after its support for them in tragic time

Lyndsey and Ben’s daughter Annabelle was born 22 weeks premature and lived only briefly. After her passing, SANDS (Stillbirth And Neonatal Deaths Society) were on hand to help the pair towards overcoming their trauma.

“They helped us get the whole way through and we still keep in touch with them today,” said Lyndsey.

“They definitely went above and beyond. They were ones that really supported us.

“The main thing for us was the bereavement team. When they came to our home they knew the right things to say.”

“We just want to give something back and raise as much money as we can,” she added.

After Annabelle's death, Ben and Lyndsey were provided with a room separate from the maternity ward. It was fitted with a kitchen, beds for family members wishing to come and go, and also had access to a garden.

Lyndsey was back working at the Old Rectory Farm Nursery three weeks later.

“It was really hard, it was the hardest thing I have ever done,” she said.

“If you have a passion for the job, you put aside your personal feeling and care for the children here.

“They treat you like a mum so the love that I feel goes into them.”

To raise money for SANDS Lyndsey has organised a private family charity event in memory of Annabelle.

She hopes the day will also hope to raise awareness and aid the donation-dependent charity “help other people like they helped us”.