Snowball raises £3,121 for York Hospital and the Sands Bereavement suite

Annika and James Dowson, who live in Helmsley with their son Nathaniel, have campaigned to raise awareness of the death of a baby after the couple’s daughter, Gypsy, was stillborn in 2008.

The couple’s latest event “Snowball” was held at the Feather’s Hotel in Helmsley last weekend for York Hospital and the Sands Bereavement suite.

Annika said: “The Snowball was wonderful and raised £3,121.42 which gives us a grand total raised, since February 2018, of £17,721.93.

“The Helmsley town crier David Hinde started the evening by highlighting what James and I have done over the years and I also had the opportunity to thank Debbie Hollingsworth, the midwife who delivered Gypsy and who was our rock throughout.

“Once the formalities were finished, the Feathers served up a wonderful meal enjoyed by all 92 guests.

“The night would not have been as successful had it not been for the help and support of Fran Evans and all those businesses and individuals who donated prizes, bought tickets, joined in the raffle and bought auction items.”

Annika added: “I am passionate about breaking the silence on stillbirth and baby loss.

“My aim this year has been to raise awareness of baby loss and in turn increase awareness of this taboo subject.

“Stillbirth is more common than many people think. There are more than 3,600 stillbirths every year in the UK and one in every 200 births ends in a stillbirth. Eleven babies are stillborn every day in the UK, making it 15 times more common than cot death.

“My hope is that while raising awareness, it also lets those who have been affected by child loss know that they are thought of and their children are not forgotten.”

Annika, who has organised a series of events from a charity walk to balloon pop, said: “I can not say thank you enough, so many of you, have made this happen, James and I will be eternally grateful.

“A big thank you to everyone who has supported our fundraising and awareness raising.”