by Rebecca Hannant
A Sproatley man is set to complete a 130-mile running challenge in aid of a baby loss charity.
Throughout January, Liam Foster, 32, has run the equivalent of a marathon a week through areas of our region.
He was inspired to raise funds for Sands, the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity, after seeing several of his closest friends and family experience baby loss in recent years.
The charity partners with healthcare professionals to provide a range of training programmes and bereavement care resources to ensure that every bereaved family receives the best possible care. It also promotes research to better understand the causes of baby deaths and save more babies’ lives.
Liam said: “I’d not made any real preparations for this challenge. I got to New Year’s Eve and realised that I should start my year with a positive challenge. I’m not a runner so I knew this kind of challenge would show people how serious I am about raising money for Sands.”
In the third week of his challenge, Liam concluded his run at Hull City’s Tigers Trust Arena, joining Hull and East Yorkshire Sands United’s football session. Sands United have regional teams that provide comfort and community for those who have been affected by baby loss.
He added: “I have received so many messages through the challenge from people who have been affected by baby loss. It shows just how common this is and how many people require the support of Sands. Hopefully by raising awareness as well as funds, more people will access the charity’s support when needed.”
Liam also has a keen interest in photography and has been documenting the run through scenic photographs on his social media accounts.
He added: “This has helped raise engagement and I hope it encourages more people to get outdoors more and explore the beautiful areas around us. I’ve found the whole experience really calming despite the physical challenge.”
Liam’s challenge will be concluded on Sunday, January 29, with one final marathon around the Hull and East Riding area.
To donate, visit justgiving.com/page/4-marathons-4-sands.
