We are Carly & Ben for anyone who doesn’t know us, or our story, lets start at the beginning!
On 20th September 2016 after 18 hours of labour, our beautiful Daughter Ava was stillborn. It was the most horrendous thing we will ever go through as a family.
While we were in the hospital, we were told about the charity Forever Stars and the serenity suite that we were able to use. It had a double bed, TV, Sofa and kitchen. It was very private and had to be accessed by a card scanner. It was very peaceful as we were away from the labour suite. The best bit about it was the fact that we could take our daughter outside privately on the patio area and it allowed us to see a lot more of her features that we couldn’t see inside. The suite really helped us as it gave Ben & I time to reflect and be with each other away from the labour suite. We can’t praise the suite enough as we got to spend precious time with Ava who was with us the whole time we were in the suite. It was amazing that our family could come when they wanted and make memories with her too.
Since that day, we have felt indebted to the charity which has become very close to our hearts. It all started when we raised £350 in donations from Ava’s funeral, and since then we have done everything we can to raise money and help in the charity. We have held 3 family fun days, held fundraisers at our work places and have completed walking challenges, tough mudders and raised as much money and awareness for the charity ever since. We have also attended many events showing support and representing Forever Stars.
Amongst all that too, Ben & I were asked to be on a board of Trustees by Michelle and Richard which is a huge honour and of course we said yes!! Nearly 7 years on, we still take that role seriously and continue to help within the charity. We are also happy to add we have had two children since Ava has been born too.
We love supporting the charity whenever we can from meeting, helping and guiding people through their babyloss journey to raising awareness. We have made friends for life because of our Daughter & Forever Stars.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our family & Friends again for all the support you have given us and continue to show. Our Forever Stars family & friends who continue to support but most importantly we need to thank our Angel Ava as if it wasn’t for her, we wouldn’t have been involved with the charity, met some amazing people and had the opportunities we have had and will continue to have in the future.
