Sue is such and inspiration. If you have two minutes please read her story:
In November 2017 our little girl Sadbh was very sadly stillborn following a diagnosis of non immune hydrops at her 20 week scan. Despite the odds she survived until full term but sadly passed away during delivery. Following this we felt a need to speak and be with others who had a similar experience. We were referred to the Family Bereavement Camps at Barretstown who support families following the death of a child through illness. These camps are an amazing safe space to remember and honour your child while also having serious fun. There’s also great individual and family support services on site throughout each of the four camp sessions. Being with others who knew exactly what you are feeling and going through is an invaluable part of the grieving process. This combined with group sessions slowly helps you slowly navigate your way through the early stages of grief.
This experience helped my family so much that I can’t recommend this service highly enough. So to help support another family who will sadly need this service I organised a fundraiser called Say Yes to the Dress for Barretstown. The event was held on the 6th October in the Esplanade Hotel in Bray where over 800 donated pre loved donated dresses were for sale. There were all kinds of dresses from workwear, occasion, wear, party dresses and a huge range of bridal wear. A newly engaged bride even picked up her wedding dress on the day. It was a fantastic day with huge support from members of the baby loss community, our family and friends and the people of Bray. There was lots of fun on the day as kids were kept entertained while mums shopped. It was also a social occasion where tea and treats mixed with prosecco and chocolates provided a lovely break for tired shoppers. Remaining dresses will be sold at another similar event in Dublin later in the year hosted by The Celebration of Life Ball committee.
A big thank you to all who donated their dresses and time in volunteering at this event and to the Esplanade Hotel for sponsoring the room and the display.
