Tommy’s Awards : Mum’s Voice, a celebration of a year of Leo

The charity, Tommys, means so much to us. In the darkest days, we discovered them and their desire to fight baby loss and they gave us so much hope. Hope for a future after stillbirth, for the potential of bringing home a breathing baby, for surviving. I can’t really put into words exactly what Tommy’s give us just by existing, but I will always be grateful for them.

The other night, after a crappy day, they emailed to tell me that they had nominated me for a Tommy’s Award. Specifically the Mum’s Voice Award that aims to celebrate a mum who has spoken out about her own pregnancy experiences and given hope to others. I read the email, and just sobbed. In an instant, I missed Leo so much, and was so proud of him and what he has given us. The ability to love unconditionally, and to share and speak loudly about the honest truth of life after baby loss and stillbirth.

I am blown away to be nominated, to be recognised and acknowledged for how we have navigated this year. I started writing and sharing our experiences first and foremost, for me. To process and understand everything that was happening to us. And through it, I hoped my words would help just one person. I could never have imagined just how much it has helped us survive this year. I am so grateful to have met some inspiring parents who have helped us navigate this unknown world – and I am so, so pleased that some of them have been nominated alongside me. It makes me incredibly proud of all of the babies that I now know, and they will always have a place in our hearts.

I never expected to be nominated, so that in itself is just an incredible way to finish what has been our most challenging year yet. However, Tommy’s now have the task of deciding a winner amongst the nominees. To do this, they are asking our readers to just email in why they think we should win – that is, if you do!

If you would like to email Tommy’s, I’d be so very grateful. All you need to do is email mumsvoice@tommys.org with the subject line “The Legacy of Leo”.

All nominees get to attend the award ceremony in March, the day after my birthday and on Mothers Day weekend. Those two events last year were so hard, one of our first of many celebrations that we had to learn to navigate without Leo. Knowing we have the opportunity to celebrate Leo’s achievements, with some of our greatest friends and inspirations, makes the idea of our second Mother’s Day without Leo, a little sweeter.

Thank you so much to everyone who has read and followed Leo’s story. We are so grateful for the love and support we (and Leo) have been shown by people far and wide this year. We are a bit emotional right now (if you couldn’t tell) and this nomination has unleashed so much pride that we have for our son.