Last night, Sunday, 12th October, CHFT Charity, colleagues and local supporters, got together at HRI for the first ever fire-walk held by the charity, all in aid of the Maternity Bereavement Appeal.

The walk over hot coals marked the middle of national Baby Loss Awareness Week which runs until this Wednesday,15th October, and is an opportunity to raise awareness of baby loss and the support available. 

Laura Greenwood Therapy, a specialist mental health and wellbeing clinic for parents, are just one of the local businesses who have been supporting the appeal. Chief Operating Officer, Laura Batchelor (pictured with the fire walk frame), took part and raised more than £400 for the appeal. Laura said: "Every step I take across the fire is a step towards creating a safe, supportive space for parents facing the unimaginable loss of a baby. At Laura Greenwood Therapy, the team of therapists have supported so many families dealing with loss. We know how vital these welcoming environments are; a place to grieve, to be held, and to feel understood. We’re so proud to support this appeal and hope we can ensure no family has to face this heartbreak alone. Together, we can help make sure no family faces baby loss without the environment and care they need.”

Head of Charity and Volunteering, Emma Kovaleski, said: "It was lovely to see people coming together for our first fire walk. It was a fantastic atmosphere as we started the event with the sun going down and some warming hot chocolate to prepare for walking over those hot coals! 

"Scott Bell from UK Fire Walk was the perfect host. He took everyone through their induction and safety briefing in the Board Room at HRI. Some participants even completed an extra challenge, breaking an arrow with their throat! Everyone completed the challenge, more than once - the youngest participant Logan, aged 14, who did the fire walk five times!

"Thank you to everyone who has got behind the Maternity Bereavement Appeal so far, we still have a way to go to reaching our target so look out for more ways to get involved in the months ahead."

Student Midwife, Genna Holroyd, also ran the Manchester Half Marathon yesterday in aid of the Maternity Bereavement Appeal. You can find more information on her Just Giving page which has already raised more than £300 - Genna Holroyd is fundraising for Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS Charity.

There is still a chance to get involved with activities happening during Baby Loss Awareness Week:

• You can help sell raffle tickets for the appeal or buy a raffle ticket. More information is available here but you can also pop along to one of the CHFT Charity stands in the main entrance of CRH and HRI until Wednesday this week. 
• Come along to one of the tombolas which will be held on Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th October in the main entrances of CRH and HRI.

All proceeds from the Fire Walk will go towards the CHFT Charity Maternity Bereavement Appeal which needs to raise £500,000 for a new bereavement suite and counselling room at Calderdale Royal Hospital. The aim of the appeal is to make sure everyone affected by miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death, who is cared for by the hospital Trust, gets the support they need, in an environment that’s right for them. So far, the appeal has raised £120,000 since launching in June.

You can find out more about the Maternity Bereavement Appeal on the CHFT Charity website.