6 months Since Launch

This time last year, Footprints was just an idea…

Sharon and I had had a few conversations about our joint passion to make sure that those that sadly find themselves in the same devastating situations as we both had when our twins died, had access to uncompromising, bereavement-specific, peer to peer support, specifically for those who have had a loss from a multiple pregnancy. It is a much needed resource throughout the whole world, not just in the UK.

It was quite a daunting prospect, working out where you start when you are planning to set up a charity! With lots of discussions and research, and a little advice from some friends and contacts in that world, we embarked on writing a constitution and application to the charities commission. At that point we had to decide some key factors, including our name and our objectives. The story of our name is written about in a separate document but that was a big moment for us and the charity and we hold dear the meaning behind our charity’s name.

In the months whilst waiting to hear back from the charities commission, we worked hard planning and writing as many documents, policies, processes and procedures as possible. We also developed a logo and some branding. It was really nerve-racking as we didn’t know if we would get the green light. But we kept hopeful and wanted to make sure we made the most of that time so that if we got charity status we could proceed as quickly as possible, and start supporting families that needed some support.

On the 19th December 2023, we got approval from the charities commission. A wonderful early Christmas present. We worked really hard in those following weeks finalising many things and getting all our incredible volunteers signed up and prepared, ready to start supporting families as soon as we launched. With an enormous team effort by all, we somehow managed to work towards our launch date of 23rd January ‘24. 

It was a surreal day: very exciting starting with a live radio interview with Kirsten O’Brien on BBC Radio Berkshire. Over the coming weeks, we got thrown in at the deep end doing a number of media interviews and recording podcasts etc. The support from the press as well as all our audiences was overwhelmingly positive and supportive – family and friends, other charities in the baby loss sector, our volunteers and of course the bereaved community we support. It felt very humbling indeed. 

It was super busy then and it is super busy now. We couldn’t have hoped for a better launch and getting ‘off the ground’. The growth of the charity has been amazing in these first six months alone and we have so many more plans and hopes for the next six! It’s been challenging at times, but definitely exciting. 

Our motto throughout it all has been to just simply be ourselves and take one step at a time. The overriding focus and aim is to provide the best support we can to our bereaved families and listen to their needs.