Thousands support Hallowe'en display for stillbirth charity

Chris Fountain erected the display for the stillbirth and neonatal charity SANDS on Tuesday evening at his house in Blackman Avenue, St Leonards.

Thousands of people stopped by to take part in games, buy cakes and sweets and leave generous donations to help the Hastings and East Sussex SANDS provide a new maternity bereavement suite at Conquest Hospital.

Chris said: “I am very tired but it was such a fantastic evening.

“I would say the number of visitors was in the thousands and there were queues of people waiting to play the games. Some people even travelled from as far as Eastbourne for the evening.

“It was quite emotional because you never know how successful these things will be but the community was just fantastic.”

Three collection buckets have been handed to the Hastings and East Sussex SANDS who said they were ‘extremely grateful’ for Chris’ support.

Chairman of the Hastings and East Sussex SANDS Jayne Gibbins said: “Chris his family and friends have done a phenomal event which not only will help us to find the refurbishment of the bereavement suite at the Conquest but also raised so much awareness to let families know that support is available for anyone who has been affected by the loss of a baby.

“Here at Hastings and East Sussex SANDS we are all bereaved parents and know just how important having support is and how refurbishing the bereavement suite will make a huge difference to families at such a heartbreaking time.

“Unfortunately we can not prevent babyloss but if we can help and support families and help to improve bereavement care we can hopefully make a difference to those who’s lives have been turned upside down after a loss of a baby.”
Chris added: “They have been on the phone to thank me but I want to thank them for making me aware of the charity.
“There were so many people who said they hadn’t heard of SANDS so this wasn’t just about raising money but also raising awareness.

“I want to thank everyone for their support. Without it, I would not have been able to do this.
“We are now planning to go even bigger and better next year for SANDS.”

If you would like to make a donation to help the Hastings and East Sussex SANDS refurbish the maternity bereavement suite at Conquest Hospital, you can do so via www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hastings-and-east-sussex-sands1.