A heartbroken Fife mother is taking part in a gruelling endurance event just weeks after giving birth to a stillborn son.
Anneka Patrick from Cupar hopes to raise £500 for the “absolutely amazing” midwives who are continuing to help her cope since losing baby Geordie on June 2, three days before his due date.
Despite never having been particularly sporty, the 26-year-old will next month take part in Edinburgh’s Tough Mudder, a 5k obstacle course designed by special forces.
Supported by sister, Diane Turner, friend Kerry Corstorphine and Kerry’s daughter Danni, Anneka hopes the money she raises will be used to bring comfort to other families who suffer the devastating loss of a baby.
The group will be cheered on their way by Anneka’s proud partner Steven Bell and their two-year-old daughter Hayley.
The family has already handed over £950 to specialist bereavement midwives at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, money raised at Geordie’s funeral and from a donation by Hayley’s childminder who asked for money rather than presents for her birthday.
“We feel so grateful to the midwives who gave us absolutely amazing care after Geordie passed away,” said Anneka.
“The room we were given was lovely and we were able to spend as much time as we wanted with Geordie.
“They organised photos of us with Geordie and we were given a teddy through the Aching Arms charity and a memory box from Sands.”
The support continued when Anneka and Steven returned home and they still receive visits from a bereavement midwife.
“We can text, phone or speak to her whenever we want for as long as we need it,” Anneka said.
“We are raising money for the midwife unit and they can use it for whatever they need, anything that will help bring comfort to other families who find themselves in a similar situation.”
Anneka discovered Geordie had passed away during a check-up on Friday June 1, two days after a routine scan had shown all was well with him.
She had been due to give birth via caesarian section on June 4.
“It was horrible and so sad,” she said.
“Hayley will be three in August and she keeps us going. I don’t know what we would be like if we didn’t have her.
“The care we have had has helped so much.
“It brought comfort through a hard time and our midwife went above and beyond for us.
“We couldn’t be more grateful.”
Anyone who would like to support Anneka’s fundraising can do so by logging onto her Just Giving site at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/anneka-patrick.
