Leigh’s Story

15 Aug Leigh’s Story

I never held Harry, but I have never gone a day without thinking of him.

In fact, it was as if he didn’t exist to the rest of the world, unimportant, unseen.

Harry was my third pregnancy.

I had three-year-old and two-year-old boys.  Harry was due on October 15th, 1992.

At 19 weeks I started to lose lots of blood. I was admitted and whisked into surgery and woke up without him in my belly. Without him in my arms.

I was on a ward of new mums with their babies and with the labour ward above, the sounds of new life.

It was the loneliest place in the world.

I only knew I’d had a baby boy from a throw away comment made by a nurse, and I named him Harry.

I had another son after Harry. And then two daughters.

When asked I always say I have six children. Five here and one that walks with us.

It’s been 29 years. I know things are different now. Perhaps I would have a hand or footprint.

Or held him. Just once.

But I have a picture of him in my mind’s eye. I am Harry’s mum.

There are many organisations that offer support to anyone affected by pregnancy and baby loss.

Sands supports anyone affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby and works to save babies’ lives. Contact their Helpline via phone (0808 154 3332) or email, or visit their Support Groups online or via Zoom.