Sarah and Esme's Story
Sarah and Esme's Shine Story
When our little girl, Esme, turned one in February, we decided to use the milestone as an opportunity to raise funds and awareness for Shine, to give a little something back for all the support we’ve received.
"We have found great support in Shine's parent groups and meet ups."
We decided to fundraise for Shine because of the tremendous support we’ve received, ever since our daughter’s prenatal diagnosis of spina bifida and hydrocephalus. We have found great support in Shine's parent groups and meet ups.
Esme has received valuable physiotherapy and occupational therapy consultations through Shine, and has started Spinal Stimulation treatment through Shine's physiotherapist too.
"I most enjoyed how our community and the people around us came together and offered incredible support."
We originally thought of running a relay in the marathon (and then quickly realised that this was a bit over ambitious for us). We decided that a Coffee Morning in aid of Shine was the best way to go and started organising. I most enjoyed how our community and the people around us came together and offered incredible support. We are still blown away by the kindness of people, how everyone showed up by baking buns, by local businesses donating raffle prizes, by helping with setting up on the day, by selling raffle tickets, and by joining in on the day itself.
"I would 100% tell anyone thinking of fundraising for Shine to go for it!"
Kelly from the Shine Fundraising Team was great - always just a quick email away, she kept me right with my many queries. She sent buckets and leaflets, etc., for us to use on the day, and even a t-shirt for our little boy, who felt very important greeting people at the doors.
I would 100% tell anyone thinking of fundraising for Shine to go for it! I set a goal to raise £1,000 for Shine, which I’m delighted to say we smashed, thanks to everyone’s generosity.
What ended up being the most special part of the day was the awareness it raised. It gave us the chance to speak out about Esme’s diagnosis of spina bifida and hydrocephalus, which I think is so important as it wasn’t something we were even aware of before we received the news at our 20 week scan.
"With charities, you never really fully understand their importance until you need them. Shine has helped us hugely..."
We had people come to the Coffee Morning who had a family member who had just received a prenatal diagnosis and had received support from Shine. For me, this was really what it was all about. With charities, you never really fully understand their importance until you need them. Shine has helped us hugely. Lori, Marie and Sharon have been so vital in our journey, and then there are the other wonderful parents we have been blessed to meet through the Shine meet-ups.
The guidance you receive from other parents in the same boat is vital. It’s a tough journey, but with the support of Shine, it’s much easier. As a family, we will always be grateful for the avenues Shine has opened up for us and the guidance we have received. We were warned that the first year would be really tough with all the new appointments and everything that comes with a new baby with some extra little needs. It was important to us to that we were able to mark Esme's first birthday by doing something for Shine and giving back.