Get involved with our #MayTheKBeWithYou!

We have launched a virtual challenge, #MayTheKBeWithYou to keep our community connected and raise essential funds for our work.

We have seen a huge increase in the number of families reaching out for their baby loss counselling and support services, since the lockdown and wanted to create a challenge for May, that enables people to keep active and connected during Covid-19.

“The month of May normally sees us have our biggest fundraising event of the year, with the Edinburgh Marathon Festival (EMF). We were keen to create a special, virtual challenge for all the amazing fundraisers that would be taking part, that filled that gap and gave the community something fun and motivating to engage in.”

“Since the lockdown, we have provided over 130 hours of support to families individually, in couples and in groups, face to face (online), 44 phone calls, 285 emails and texts, which is a huge increase on what we would normally provide. Our team is working harder than ever to meet that increased need and now more than ever, we need to be able to continue supporting bereaved families in the community. This challenge is a way for people to raise awareness and give a small, but much appreciated donation for our work.” Nicola Welsh, Chief Executive Officer

In April we had the #AKADay campaign which encouraged supporters to stay active throughout April and do 1K (or more) and this new challenge is giving them a chance to build on their achievements and set a target of 5k, 10k, half marathon (all in line with current government guidelines). By the last weekend of May, which would have been the EMF, participants will get together virtually and celebrate their achievements at online party tent, just like the charity would have during the EMF weekend. Anyone can take part, whether they are self-isolating or being shielded as they can do their #MayTheKBeWithYou in various ways – walking, jogging or dancing in the house or garden.

The awareness and funds that this is raising will go towards helping parents like Megan, who has been receiving support before and now during the lockdown:

“We were told the devastating news that our baby wouldn’t survive outside of me. In a split second everything we had been planning for was out the window. Louie Julian Martin was born on the 9th of February – a heart-breaking decision that we had to make. It’s been an extremely tough journey and to start with I couldn’t see any light at the end of this tunnel.

2 weeks after having Louie I spoke to a befriender called Gemma at Held In Our Hearts. I can honestly say hand on heart that if it wasn’t for her I don’t think I would have been back at work 5 weeks after all this happened. I’ve also had fantastic support from my partner, friends and family but it’s so good speaking to someone who understands completely what you’re going through and isn’t going to judge you for feeling the way you do as they have been there..I still have a long way to go but this charity is so, so important for support for anyone who has suffered the loss of a baby. They are amazing” ️Megan, bereaved mum

Tracy Watt, Fundraising Manager says of the challenge:

“We have seen lots of people take part in our #AKADay challenge and people have been getting out and feeling motivated to do their 1k a day, so we were keen to build on this momentum in May. The #MayTheKBeWithYou is a challenge available to anyone, any age and any fitness and we are so grateful for everyone that has got involved so far and help provide much needed funds for us to continue supporting bereaved parents, like Megan, in the community.”

In order to take part, we are asking for a £5 donation and people can also encourage others to donate in support of their challenge. You can text MAYTHEK to 70085 where they can donate £5 to help our work.