United in grief but strong in support, a group of mums from Soham, who have all suffered the loss of a child, have joined forces to produce a charity calendar.
The women say that losing a child is heartbreaking, unbearable and never ending, yet they have found strength in each other by getting together to do something positive.
The Strong Soham Mums calendar is raising funds for Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Road Victims Trust.
Alison Fitt, who came up with the idea, said: “My son Charlie died of a rare immune condition last year. Our younger son Alfie, 13, has the same condition.
“After a couple of very dangerous bleeds, and worried that the next bleed could be fatal, the doctors wanted Charlie to have a bone marrow transplant.
“Unfortunately after five long months in hospital he lost his fight for life. Our lives will never be the same and we will continue to love and miss him forever.
“Earlier this year I said to my husband I really want to do something positive. I know of so many other mums in the town who have lost a child. One through seeing her regularly at the cemetery.
“I wondered how do they get through this, how do they get through such pain? Then I thought if they can get through it then so can I.
“When I suggested the calendar we got together for meetings and it was like being among friends. There was an unspoken bond.
“The support of each other is very powerful. It has been more than just getting together to produce a calendar.”
The group of women hired local boudoir photographer, Alicia Marshall and her make up artists Tracey Bardbeer and Camilla Jungman, to create a photograph for each month.
Alison said: “The photos are a little bit cheeky but professional and extremely tasteful.
“All of the proceeds go to Addenbrooke’s Hospital children’s wards and the Road Victims Trust.
“We chose Addenbrooke’s as it is local. I have stayed there with my boys on numerous occasions.
“A few of our mums lost their children in road traffic accidents and we all agreed the Road Victims Trust do amazing work.”
• Calendars are £9.99 from the Strong Soham Mums website or from the Soham Post Office, Jak Hibs or Soham Pharmacy.
• Parents suffering loss of a child can contact Alison for support on Facebook.
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