The clock is ticking as the Huddersfield-based Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice has launched an ambitious campaign to raise at least £300,000 – in just 48 hours.

Running from October 12-14 as part of Baby Loss Awareness Week, the ‘Every Minute Matters’ appeal aims to raise the funds needed to support 100 families devastated by the loss of a baby.

Every pound donated to the appeal will be doubled, thanks to Forget Me Not’s generous backers who have pledged to match every donation. Donations can be made at https://www.forgetmenotchild.co.uk/supporting-us/every-minute-matters

Luen Thompson, chief executive at Forget Me Not, said: “Very sadly, many families suffer the pain and grief of losing a baby every year in West Yorkshire. Without support, this devastating loss can have a profound effect on the health and wellbeing of these families long into the future.

Forget Me Not is here for these families. By providing midwifery support, counselling and a place to spend precious time with their baby, we can help families feel less isolated and better able to cope, not just through the immediate trauma, but throughout the rest of their lives, helping families learn to live with their loss and in many cases, navigate the challenges of another pregnancy.

“We receive no NHS or Government funding to run this vital service. That’s why we’re asking for your help to raise at least £300,000 – enough to help up to 100 local families.

“What’s so exciting about this campaign is that every pound that people donate will be matched. So if you donate £5 it would be doubled to £10, £10 to £20, £50 to £100 and so on. It’s a really easy way to make double the difference to families who desperately need our help. If you can make a donation, we would be incredibly grateful.”

Donations to the campaign can be made at https://www.forgetmenotchild.co.uk/supporting-us/every-minute-matters

Every pound donated will be matched, making double the difference to families affected by baby loss.

To see just how much difference Forget Me Not’s support makes to families, watch Arrianne as she tells her story. www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCRpDf-8mjY