Sophia's story
When families are told their baby may not survive, there is no roadmap for what comes next.
When families are given devastating news during pregnancy, questions arrive all at once. What will happen when the baby is born? How much time might they have together? How can they make the most of every precious moment?
For Heather and David, these were overwhelming questions to face whilst preparing for the arrival of their twins.
Acorns are there to help families facing this uncertainty.
Our specialist teams help families navigate difficult conversations, coordinate care and ensure parents feel supported every step of the way.
Without this support, many families would face some of the hardest days of their lives feeling frightened and alone.
Every year, specialist Acorns teams support families facing devastating diagnoses and unimaginable uncertainty. And year on year, the number of families needing this support is increasing.
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From supporting important decisions before birth, to providing care and compassion after Sophia had died, the team at Acorns helped Heather and David navigate an incredibly difficult time.
Their support was there at every stage, adapting as the family's needs changed and helping them make the most of the time they had together.
Preparing for Sophia's arrival
During Heather’s 20 week scan, the sonographer couldn’t find all chambers of Sophia’s heart and the family quickly learnt that Sophia had a very serious heart condition. Heather and David had support from Acorns while they were preparing for Sophia's arrival. Knowing that Acorns would be there whatever the outcome, gave the family comfort and reassurance.
Support when they needed it
After Sophia was born, Acorns visited Heather and David at the hospital to provide support and explain the care that was available for their family. Heather and David knew that Acorns were always on hand to support if they needed it. At seven weeks old, Sophia died in hospital. Half an hour later, Acorns were there to take Sophia and her family to the hospice where the special bedroom was waiting for them.
Care that continued
Sophia spent a week at Acorns. During that time, her family got to bathe her, take her in the garden, make keepsakes and play music to her – all the things you normally would do with a baby. Acorns also supported with funeral arrangement and that care has continued a year later with the family receiving bereavement support.
Your donation could help create moments of comfort, dignity and togetherness for families when they matter most.
Donate todayYour gift could help ensure that families facing heartbreak don't have to face it alone.
£20
Could fund a therapy session with a psychologist following a devastating diagnosis.
£45
Could support a family to stay with their child 24 hours a day whilst they receive end of life care.
£100
Could help ensure specialists can continue to provide care for families like Sophia's.
A gift from you today could help more families like Sophia's prepare for the uncertainty of tomorrow.