As part of the CRADLE Challenge fundraiser, CRADLE Ambassadors Nikki Shield and Louise Zeniou have set their sights on walking the entire route from Southport to Ormskirk to help raise much needed important funds for the charity.
CRADLE is a national pregnancy loss charity which believes nobody should feel alone during their experience with early pregnancy loss.
Organisers work closely with healthcare professionals within the NHS, to support their pregnancy loss services and ensure CRADLE can be there for all.
Louise and Nicky provide the CRADLE early pregnancy loss service at Southport Hospital A&E and Ormskirk Hospital EPAU, E Ward & Maternity and have decided to take the CRADLE Challenge on, as they both know personally how a service like CRADLE can make all the difference.
Both Nikki and Louise have experienced ectopic pregnancies and were taken by ambulance from Southport Hospital A&E to Ormskirk Hospital, which resulted in emergency surgery and both losing their babies and each one of their fallopian tubes.
They both found it an incredibly traumatic and isolating time and are passionate that they do all they can to ensure others feel supported and thought of if they experience a similar situation.
In the UK, around 1 in every 90 pregnancies is ectopic. This is around 11,000 pregnancies a year.
As described on the NHS website, an ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilised egg implants itself outside of the womb, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are the tubes connecting the ovaries to the womb. If an egg gets stuck in them, it won’t develop into a baby and your health may be at risk if the pregnancy continues.
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to save the pregnancy. It usually has to be removed using medicine or an operation.
In recognition of their experience Nikki and Louise will be walking the specific journey from Southport Hospital A&E to Ormskirk Hospital on Thursday, 26th May 2022 to raise funds for CRADLE, whilst raising awareness of ectopic pregnancies.
CRADLE Ambassador Nikki Shield said:
“This walk is so important to me.
“It is the same journey I took via ambulance, the last time my baby was with me and my husband, all together as a family. I feel like this walk will honour that.
“And to be able to raise money at the same time, money that will allow CRADLE to continue its development of various projects and support services, makes it feel even more worthwhile.”
The funds raised from the challenge will allow CRADLE to bring change to the lives of those who are receiving or awaiting medical care and allow them to provide support for as long as it is needed.
They will also support healthcare professionals by providing them with CRADLE resources, allowing them to give that little bit extra during care.
The funds will also allow for new projects and resources to be designed and delivered, aiming to enhance the way care is provided.
Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Therapies Lynne Barnes said:
“At Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust we have been so grateful for the support we have received from CRADLE for our women, families and staff. From practical support to advice and guidance. Nothing is too much trouble. The team always goes the extra mile and has a personal touch to everything they do.
“We are so grateful. Keep up the great work. You make such a difference.”
John Henry, Advanced Paramedic Practitioner North West Ambulance Service, said:
“CRADLE has been working closely with both acute hospital settings and Ambulance Services throughout the country.
“Their commitment in supporting and developing pathways of care for women and families who have suffered early pregnancy loss is crucial.
“Early pregnancy loss can be devastating to women and families who will undoubtably need more support than can be offered at the emergency end of the NHS.
“As we know the modern day NHS is under significant pressures which seem to deepen year on year.
“CRADLE is a huge asset to the wider NHS and without their collaboration, support after emergency care would be so much more difficult.
“Good Luck to Louise, Nikki and their team on the charity walk and for all their hard work and commitment’.”
If you would like to support Louise and Nikki on their challenge by donating to CRADLE, please visit the page: CRADLE | Ectopic Pregnancy Walk from Southport A&E to Ormskirk Hospital on the JustGiving website.
If you have been affected by early pregnancy loss please visit www.cradlecharity.org to find out more information about how CRADLE can support you or join one of CRADLE’s weekly support group on zoom via www.cradlecharity.org/connected
To get involved with CRADLE, please email louise@cradlecharity.org
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