The Starlit Way
When our beautiful son, Raphael, became unwell in 2023 and died just 6 weeks after his birth, our world was forever altered. We will never forget the kindness we were shown by the wonderful people we met in Raphael's short life. Likewise, Raphael touched many hearts and he paved the way for numerous positive changes at hospitals in Leeds, Harrogate and beyond.
Although the Millie Wright Children's Charity was still in its infancy during our time in Leeds, one of Raphael's brilliant nurses mentioned it and upon carrying out some research ourselves, we found that the charity's vision (for every family supporting a child with a life threatening or medically complex condition to receive hands-on charitable support) immediately struck a chord with us personally, strongly aligning with our own principles around fairness and compassion.
Furthermore, we can confirm that the charity's core values of equality, courage, individuality and transparency make a great deal of sense having followed Ceri and Nigel's footsteps in experiencing the devastating loss of a child. Every single family deserves to have access to help and support, despite any differences in their child's status or diagnosis.
We decided to set up The Starlit Way to combat the social isolation that the death of a baby or child can create. We believe that a sense of belonging is key to regaining strength after such a heart breaking life event. Our friendly, informal and inclusive community welcomes anyone impacted by the death of a baby or child. You can find out more about what we do on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
We are honoured to be partnering with The Millie Wright Children's Charity to offer Together in Grief sessions, for those impacted by the death of a baby or child. These launch in 2026.
Building togetherness and healing is the aim, whatever that means for each individual. Signposting, information sharing and survival strategies can be all be discussed if and when people want to. There is no pressure for anyone attending the sessions to be anything other than themselves, however they feel and whatever stage they are at.
It's the club no one ever wants to be a part of but we are stronger together.
We can't wait to meet you.
Join in the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge
Would you like to help and raise much needed funds for The Millie Wright Children's Charity?
Why don't you join us in July for the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge hosted by our friends Yorkie Talkies Outdoors.
Last year was a huge success! Not only did we raise much needed funds enabling us to keep providing our vital family support service but everyone took away something that touched them personally:
- Personal achievement
- New friends
- New hobby
- Fantastic memories
- Laughs and smiles
So come on, join us in July as we believe that by #workingtogether we can #createchange and make a huge difference to families in hospital with a child with a life threatening illness.