Jersey Dad Plans 10K Run For Baby Loss

Tuesday, 4 April 2023 18:21

The Seymour Sprint is returning to Jersey's East Coast for a fourth year.

Helier de Veulle is holding the 10 km and 6 km runs for Philip's Footprints, which is a charity which is close to his heart.

The charity advocated for a safer pregnancy and supports families who have suffered the loss of a child, whether that is pre-natal or stillbirth.

Runners will head over to Longbeach on the east coast, follow it around to Seymour Slip before heading across the Ramsar Wetlands to Seymour Tower and back.

Helier says he was trying to find a way to raise a decent amount of money for Philip's Footprints.

"I know the coast of Jersey quite well, and I've got a view of Seymour Tower from my house, and I saw the tide go out one morning and thought 'well maybe that's a good opportunity'."

The race organiser and his wife lost their first daughter after she was born in 2007 and became close with Jo Nash, the charity's founder.

Helier says losing a baby is one of the most challenging things life can throw at you.

"You're at the point where you're looking forward to a life full of possibility and opportunity with your new baby and that baby has passed away for whatever reason.

"You have all of these hopes and dreams dashed, so it's a really difficult place to be.

"It's not a subject that is talked about as often and openly as it should be."

He says at the time there was very little support for people who went through a similar experience, so finding people like Jo, in forums really helped them.

Islanders can sign up for the race online.