Hayley Vallance
Which group associated with – Carmarthenshire & Pembrokeshire
Current role/activities – Chair/Secretary/Treasurer/Befriender
Hayley said: “I am honoured to be awarded a volunteer award for my commitment to Sands. My award is dedicated to my stillbirth son George, he is the reason for my passion to help others who suffer the utter heartbreak of a stillbirth or neonatal death.
Following the death of my baby boy George in 2008, I vowed he would not die in vain. I came across Sands a few years after my experience and discovered how just being in a room with people who shared my pain, helped to heal my own heartache. I quickly realised this is how I could honour George’s memory, this made me determined to continue to help others and I have run the support group for many years now. I have received lovely feedback from members of the support group who simply had nowhere to turn, this is so rewarding and makes me feel that everything we do is worthwhile.Talking to people who have shared a similar experience really helps, it is genuine empathy that really counts, and you don't feel so alone. I am so passionate about Sands and what it stands for. I want to see Sands continue to grow, and fill the desperate gaps in bereavement care. Sands is a lifeline to people and has been for 40 years, so here's to another 40 years!”
Heatherjane Coombs, Welsh Network Coordinator said: “Hayley kept the group going when the Chair moved away, and she has continued to keep it going and encouraged it to grow.”
Hayley has been nominated as part of 40 volunteers for #Sands40. Join them at Sands 40th Anniversary Conference on 17th November 2018 in Glasgow.
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 be hosting 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.