Sands - Saving babies' lives. Supporting bereaved families.

“Marnie spent a long time in the NICU after birth” - Sasha’s Story

Sasha shares how after her daughter Marnie was born in January 2024 she spent a long time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) as she had heart and spine problems. She grew her wings in March 2024, and Sasha still doesn’t know how to feel. Some days she feels ok and strong and others she wants...

"When Sage died it was labelled a miscarriage but this didn't reflect our reality." - Alexis's Story

Alexis and Charlotte share how when their son Sage died at 22 weeks his loss was labelled a miscarriage but that this didn't reflect their reality, because they gave birth to their son who was fully formed, fully loved, and very real. 

Sa...

Volunteers' Week 2026 - Wales Campaign Group To celebrate Volunteers Week, we spoke to Brooke, Claire, Jess and Ruth, who are part of a group of bereaved parents who volunteer their time for our Wales Campaign to create change in memory of their babies.  

Brooke started volunteering with Sands shortly after her son Gwilym died when he was eleven days old.  “In the...

Volunteers' Week 2026 - Finding meaning out of something utterly awful In 2005 Frances and Robert’s daughter, Pippa, was stillborn. At the time there wasn’t a Sands group local to her, but in 2012 Frances was introduced to another bereaved mother who asked her to go along to the newly formed  Bath Sands support group with her.

Frances shares ho...

Volunteers' Week 2026 - Making music, sharing memories

In 2019, Portsmouth and Chichester Sands decided to do something a little different to support bereaved families. They formed the first Sands Choir – Voices of Sands.  

Co-Choir Chair Emma says:

“Both Terri [choir co-chair] and I have always loved to sing and love kar...