A mum whose daughter died after just two days is taking on a mammoth walking challenge to raise funds for the charity that gave her “clarity” in her darkest hour.
Angela Gray has signed up for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) Norfolk Pier 2 Pier walk in memory of little Sophie, who was born by emergency c-section, after 37 weeks, in August 2018.
Despite a trouble-free pregnancy, there were complications at birth and Sophie was transferred from The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in King’s Lynn, to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
However, Angela and husband Chris made the heart-wrenching decision to withdraw treatment and it was at that point they were referred to EACH.
“We were apprehensive to start with, but the support we received turned out to be a lifesaver,” said Angela.
“I’d gone from being pregnant and expecting a normal, healthy baby to then having to make the horrific decision to withdraw treatment. It was so unexpected.
“Our world had been ripped apart and turned upside down within 24 hours.
“In so many ways it’s a complete blur. I couldn’t think clearly or compute what was going on around me.
“However, there are other parts I remember clearly and that’s largely thanks to the support I received from EACH.
“Having someone by my side, to guide me, helped give me clarity.
“We did things like memory-making, taking photos and handprints and those are things I was encouraged to do.
“I’m so grateful because had it been down to me, in that moment, I might have said ‘no’. Then the opportunity would have been lost forever.
“Instead, I have these wonderful things to help me remember Sophie, so I’ll forever be grateful.”
As a way of showing her support, Angela, who lives in King’s Lynn, has signed up for June’s Pier 2 Pier event – a 32-mile trek from Cromer to Great Yarmouth, along the Norfolk Coastal Path.
She is taking on the gruelling challenge with friend Alice Eatock.
“I like walking and did a lot after we lost Sophie,” said Angela, whose other daughter, Isabelle, was born in September 2019.
“It’s a great way to be alone with my thoughts and I think about her a lot.
“I’m quite apprehensive – it’s a very long way – but the reason I’m doing it will spur me on and give me extra motivation.
“EACH is close to my heart and I can’t thank the team enough.
“Aside from the support I received, I also went to bereavement groups and that gave me an opportunity to meet other parents and families in similar situations – people I’m still in touch with.
“People don’t realise how much EACH does. They think of end of life, but not all the other things like bereavement and wellbeing support.
“That’s part of the reason I’ve taken on this challenge – to raise funds but also, hopefully, some awareness, too.
“It’s become a bit of a personal challenge and I thought this is the year to give something back, especially as I turn 40 in April.”
To show your support and sponsor Angela, head here.
The Norfolk Pier 2 Pier is among seven major events on the EACH events calendar for 2024.
New highlights include a Lego Walk and an eagerly-anticipated Newmarket Bubble Rush. Early-bird tickets, offering heavily discounted prices, are available until 31st January.
