A Southampton family who have been affected by stillbirths have put on a funday of events in order to raise awareness for a stillbirth charity.
Mollie-Mae Brewer, 22, has arranged a number of charity events in the past but said that putting on Saturday’s Fun Day event at the Lordshill Community Centre was her biggest challenge yet.
The charity event saw hundreds of families walk through the door and aimed to raise money for Sands – a charity that supports anyone affected by stillbirths or the death of a baby.
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However, this charity event was very close to home for Mollie as her sister, Tamia, tragically lost two babies during her pregnancies – just two years apart.
Mollie-Mae said: “I’ve just become a mum and my sister does not get the chance to do that - although she is a wonderful auntie.
“I don’t think there is enough awareness around stillbirths and neonatal deaths. It is something that has hit our family and it so much more common than people think.”
According to NHS figures, stillborn births happen in roughly one in every 250 births in England.
Tania Tamsley, 47, mother of Mollie-Mae and Tamia Brewer, added: “Tamia lost her daughters both at eight months into her pregnancy. That was in 2017 and 2019 and she is still coming to terms with it now.
“Everything raised here today will go straight to Sands – and we couldn’t be more proud of that.”
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Mollie continued: “When I organised this, I was not expecting such a big turnout.
"I'm really impressed and so happy that we were able to put on such a jam-packed event.
“Everyone has been so helpful – my mum has been whizzing around sorting raffle prizes. I can’t wait to do this bigger and better next year.”
Organiser Mollie has previously run charity walks for Sands and a community event to raise money for epilepsy.
Children were treated to face paintings, a bouncy castle and even a visit from mascots Mike Wazowski from Monsters Inc., Peppa Pig and a minion from Despicable Me.
The raffle prizes included tickets to the Mayflower Theatre, Paulton’s Park, a free £30 taxi fare as well as high-end hair and beauty products.
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