Running to break the silence and start conversations on baby loss

A GROUP is running this year's Nottingham Robin Hood Half Marathon with the shared objective of raising awareness of baby loss, breaking the stigma that surrounds it, and to raise vital funds for Nottingham charity, Forever Stars.

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Sarah Sutton, main picture, Chris Marygold and Emma Morgan are running for Nottingham charity Forever Stars

Emma Morgan, Sarah Sutton, and Chris Marygold each have very personal reasons for running for Forever Stars, which is an official charity partner of Sunday's Robin Hood Half Marathon for the first time this year.

For Emma Morgan, her and her wife Hayley have been on a heartbreaking fertility journey over the past few years, something she describes as "putting our hearts and souls into trying for a child".

"Unfortunately, it's led to a lot of heartbreak through failed IVF cycles and several miscarriages," she says. "Our most recent loss in January was especially tough and resulted in me needing surgery due to how far along we were. It's been utterly devastating and has honestly hit us so hard."

Beyond the grief, Emma says she and Hayley have been struck by how little support exists for people going through baby loss: "There were times we felt completely dropped by medical teams, with no guidance, no real understanding of what we were facing. It was isolating, confusing, and at times, frustrating. Sadly, we weren't signposted to any support during our hospital visits, which made me realise how much more needs to be done to connect grieving families with resources."

Their own research led Emma and Hayley to Forever Stars, a charity dedicated to supporting families in the East Midlands who have suffered a stillbirth or infant loss.

"The charity's response was instant and supportive as soon as I reached out to the Forever Stars team," Emma says. "From that moment, I knew that they were going to be a great support. Richard in particular always made himself available, or would just check in to see how I am. The charity's entire team was there at a time when I needed something beyond.