• Volunteer's Name: Chris and Chris Twydell
• Current role: East Kent Sands

"Chris and Chris have been instrumental in developing Sands’ local identity in East Kent and the creation of the beautiful Memory Garden in Ashford Town Centre. They work tirelessly to raise funds at regular town raffles and represent Sands at professional events, promoting our information and support" - say Charlotte Willson, Network Coordinator and Jen Coates, Director of Volunteering & Bereavement Support, Bereavement Support, Sands.

Note from Chris and Chris Twydell:

"We have been volunteering for Sands as part of a small local team since our first grandchild, Liam, was stillborn at full term in 2004.

Initially we helped create our unique Baby Memorial Garden and now we really enjoy raising awareness of baby loss and of Sands support, taking every opportunity to spread the word. 

We recall a recent conversation with a woman at one of our Smiley Face Tombolas who told us that we were the first people she had spoken to about her baby, Jennifer, in forty years, as ‘no one else could understand’. That was a special moment for us and really made us feel we were making a difference."

Sands is marking its 40th anniversary this year and we would like to say thank you for the incredible support and contribution that our dedicated volunteers make across the UK to support bereaved parents and anyone affected by the death of a baby. 

We will host an awards ceremony during the Sands 40th Anniversary Conference to celebrate the wide range of volunteering involvement in Sands and acknowledge 40 volunteers for their dedication and commitment. 

Volunteer nominations for 2018 are open and we invite you to nominate individuals or teams of volunteers. Please contact lorna.delayahu@sands.org.uk to find out more and to make your nomination.