A Lanarkshire teacher has set herself the goal of swimming 5k over the course of August following a heartbreaking stillborn birth in her family.
Karen McCaffreyflits between Blantyre and Larkhall Leisure Centres where she swims every couple of days in a bid to clock up the miles and funds for the national stillbirth and neo-natal death charity SANDS, whom have a base within Wishaw General.
The 46-year-old decided to push herself to complete such a challenge after a close family member tragically suffered a full-term stillbirth last Christmas.
Having set an initial target of £150 for the charity, Karen was flabbergasted when donations from friends, family and colleagues quickly surpassed this and currently sit at almost £500.
A P7 teacher at St Bride's in Bothwell, Karen told Lanarkshire Live : "We were all heartbroken when our family member suffered the unimaginable tragedy of a stillborn baby at nine months late last year.
"It was so unexpected and really hit us all.
Sands have given unwavering support to the parents and extended family and so I decided to do this challenge to raise awareness of the great work Sands do and also to raise a little funds to put into the charity's pot as a way of saying thank you for the support my family has received."
Sands works to support anyone affected by the death of a baby; improve the care bereaved parents receive; and create a world where fewer babies die.
They are the leading stillbirth and neonatal death charity in the UK.
Their bereavement support services are available through its Freephone helpline, mobile app, online community and resources, and locally through a UK-wide network of around 100 regional support groups.
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