A West Cornwall woman will take on the London Marathon in 2026.
Bessie Hurst, from Penzance, is running the challenge in memory of her own and her friend’s babies, aiming to raise funds for Sands, the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity.
Bessie said: "Unfortunately, we have lost four babies in two years, all before 15 weeks.
"I am also running for some of my friend’s beautiful babies, who were both born sleeping.
"Sands has been quite literally a life-saving charity, not only for me but many others.
"They have helped me and people around me to navigate the world around baby loss, so the least that I can do is to raise a bit of money to keep the support they offer going."
Sands supports everyone touched by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby.
It offers one-to-one and group support, local groups and Sands United football teams, family and remembrance events, and bereavement resources such as memory boxes.
The charity funds research to understand why babies die and campaigns for change in policy and practice.
Bessie has set a fundraising target of £2,250 and has already raised £1,058 from 50 donors.
She said: "If you can donate, please do, but I do understand that times are tough, so even if you can share Sands’ message and continue to spread awareness and conversation, it might just help at least one more person."
Every day in the UK, 13 babies die shortly before, during, or soon after birth, and at least 1 in 6 pregnancies end in miscarriage.
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