We couldnt ask for better friends than Nic, Jack & James. Over the last 6years what started out as neighbours turned into such a strong friendship, shared ups and downs in life and for Sharon, Nic in particular has been a rock since Freya's death (and super dooper cuddles from the ever gorgeous Jack of course!). Nic and James are two of the kindest people you will ever have the privaledge of meeting, they wear their hearts on their sleeves and will do anything for anyone, they are always putting others first.

They supported us through a difficult pregnancy, celebrating the successes of each passing milestone. They even held a suprise baby shower at their house just 3days before Freya was born. We were at their house about to have a take away when the horror of Freya's birth occured. I went to the bathroom and began to haemorrage horrifically, Nic sat with me holding my hand in the bathroom, blood pouring out everywhere like a sceen out of jaws....James helping Simon to call an ambulance and get stuff toghether. They know first hand the utter devastation of that  night.........when we were rushed off by ambulance they were left stunned and waiting for news.....fearing the worst........as parents themselves it must have been an horrific experience for them as well as us.

That terrifying night turned into a tragic morning, sadly Freya's life was stolen due to undiagnosed Vasa Praevia at just 3hrs and 42mins of age following the best efforts of medical staff. (you can read Freya's full story on the link to the team page below) 

Nic and James were due to go on holiday that day but they travelled all the way to the hospital to visit us. They arrived less than an hour after we had to let our beautiful daughter be taken to the mortuary so you can imagine the state we were in having to let go of our preciuos much loved and longed for daughter at at time which should have been filled with joy and celebration. Over the years we have shared lots of ups and downs, that day we shared our grief all of us toghether in that hospital room........ you dont get more true friends than being able to share such pure emotion so geniunely, honestly and openly, seeing people at their worst and helping them to rebuild their lives at their pace one step at a time (they still are helping us do this!). We have been pretty rubbish friends at times, not wanting to go out, sometimes not even wanting to be around people but Nic, James and Jack have never let that stop them, they have been there for us no matter what. They always talk about Freya and remember her which means so much. From baby Jack's flowers for Freya's baby shower, the single beautiful pink rose among them was later buried with Freya in her coffin xxxx

So it came as no suprise when James so kindly offered to run in memory of Freya, to raise awareness of Vasa Praevia and funds for VPRA to help save other babies lives.....he really is one in a million! so please all dig deep to support Freya's 'uncle James'

Thank you, love Sharon Simon & Freya ^i^ xxxx

Vasa Praevia affects 1 in 2,500 pregnancies and 1 in 300 IVF pregnancies. It occurs when one or more of the baby's blood/umbilical vessels cross the entrance to the birth canal beneath the baby. With the onset of labour these vessels can become compressed or tear causing rapid foetal haemorrhage. These are full term healthy babies...it is labour that is catastrophic! (see the picture in my gallery)

 Sadly 95% of cases not diagnosed before birth will result in the death of a full term healthy baby at or shortly after birth, the few that survive suffer harrowing birth experiences and risk serious complications such as brain damage and lifelong disability.

However this can all be prevented!! When diagnosed in pregnancy by a simple colour doppler ultrasound scan and a management plan is observed there is a 100% infant survival rate (as an early c section can take place before the onset of labour). Full term healthy babies need not die at birth!! We just need to be aware of the risks so screening can take place as currently VP is not routinely screened for.

Women in high risk groups include: bleeding in pregnancy, low lying/placenta preavia ( if this later rises in pregnancy the risk of VP must be eliminated!) IVF/twin/multiple pregnancies, velemantous insertion of the umbillical cord, bi-lobed or succenturiate lobed placenta, history of uterine surgery/C-section/D&C

 Sharon was in at least four of these high risk groups and despite RCOG guidelines published Jan 2011 was not told about or referred for screening of VP. Sharon & Simon are urging everyone, especially pregnant women and medical professionals to be aware of the risks, to ask about VP at antenatal appointments and to join VPRA - vasa praevia raising awareness (who also have a Facebook page) . They also ask that you share this information and encourage everyone to visit  www.vasapraevia.co.uk today to help save a baby's life...........

l be taking on the Manchester Great North Run with my employer 'Out there events' on the 20th May 2012. I know times are hard, but please dig deep for such a worthwhile cause. But more importantly spread the word about Vasa Praevia!

You can read Freya's full story on Sharon & Simon's page by clicking on Freya's team page below.

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