Thank you for visiting my giving page. I’m raising money for Kicks Count because it's a small charity on a big mission - preventing babies' being stillborn.

In 2017, the latest published statistics, 2,873 babies were stillborn in the UK. That was a decrease of 7.7% from 2016 and the lowest number since records began. A difference is being made, but there is still work to do. NINE new lives are still being lost every single day and that's too many.

Why is the awareness Kicks Count raise so important?

Around half of mothers who had a stillbirth noticed their baby slowed their movements beforehand. If a baby is getting less nutrients or oxygen, they often move less to conserve energy. Most of the time, a baby moving less is found to be absolutely fine, but it's vital that mums recognise and report the potential warning sign.

I had my baby in June of 2019 after being induced at 38+2. I went into the maternity unit when I was 38 weeks due to reduced movement, I was given an appointment for an emergency scan the following morning. The scan picked up that my baby had low fluid and that my placenta had started to fail so I was induced the following day. I dread to think what would’ve happened if I hadn’t have gone in to get checked out and if I hadn’t have had the scan. I’m grateful my baby boy is here safely and I am not naive to the fact it could have ended very differently. This charity helps save lives and helps save parents from grief. Please help in any way you can.

I hope you agree it's a great cause. Your donation will make a difference and will be put to good use, ensuring more babies' arrive safely.

Lauren Bird