Our story began in December 2013.
After suffering the loss of our baby, we felt that any kind of support or help wasn’t available at the time, especially as Gel is a person with a disability.
Fast forward 11 years, and a friend mentioned that they had a petal at the Serenity Garden at Highfields Park and suggested that we apply for one.
That’s when we first emailed Forever Stars about having a petal. That process was done with so much care from start to finish, we couldn’t believe it.
Our install day arrived, we were both emotional and nervous, but the Forever Stars volunteers at Highfields put us at ease straight away and gave us time to place our petal and to reflect, chatting to us afterwards helped us too. They made us feel welcomed and supported.
As we were leaving, we looked at the notice board and saw a poster asking for volunteers. We both looked at each other and both said, “Yes, we’ll do it.”
We spoke to this chap (Dan) and said we would be happy to volunteer.
He added us to a WhatsApp group, and we started volunteering.
Since then, we have both volunteered at many events and still do to this day.
We have been doing this for nearly 3 years, and we do this for 2 main reasons.
1. To offer help and support for other families
2. To support the disabled community going through this and let them know that the support network is there
We enjoy being a part of what Forever Stars do to help and support others, and just being a part of it.
Our favourite memory
When we had our petal install day. We were made to feel welcome, heard and supported.
Gel’s favourite memory
Richard’s help and understanding, and making me feel welcomed and thinking about how to make it easier for me to attend different events, for which I’m truly grateful.
Rob’s favourite memory
Any of the events I have volunteered for. Also, giving Richard a wooden version of the Forever Stars logo. But my proudest moment was when I was asked to make a planter to house the wicker bear at the Baby Loss Garden at Wilford Hill Cemetery.
We are both so proud to be a small part of the Forever Stars family.
A group you don’t want to be in, but so glad you are.
Since joining the Forever Stars community, we have made friends for life and have the help and support that we were looking for.
