Leanne Dobinson is an actress and singer whose career has seen her star in both prime time TV and West End musical theatre productions.
In 2006, at the age of 20, Leanne was a contestant on the BBC 1 TV show How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? which sought to find the leading lady for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production of The Sound Of Music. Although she was voted out Leanne went on to make her West End debut as Cosette in Les Miserables at The Queen's Theatre in 2008.
In 2014 Leanne's world fell apart when her son Harry was stillborn on the 9 October. After Harry's death Leanne was very unwell and it is only now that she feels strong enough to give Harry a voice and share her and Harry's journey to help break the silence and let other bereaved parents know they are not alone.
Today is Harry's 7th birthday and the start of Baby Loss Awareness Week, which this year is focused on wellbeing and what this means to people from all walks of life who have been affected by pregnancy and baby loss.
In her story Leanne talks about the ways she has found comfort and to look after her mental and physical wellbeing, to adapt to life without Harry, taking each day as it comes and allowing herself to grieve.
I've waited for so long to give my son Harry a voice and raise awareness without fear. I felt like this year I was strong enough to do so.
I find comfort in things that remind me of him, finding happy places and doing things to mark occasions and to add to his memory box. Journaling also helped me express my feelings and thoughts and it also shows the progression you make.
When I feel cloudy, foggy and lost I tend to head to the beach (my happy place) I watch the ocean and the waves and it reminds me to breathe deep.
If my experience can help someone not feel as isolated and alone and help others to know there is somewhere to turn who do understand and have walked what seems that lonely road maybe we can make a difference and lead them to Sands and the road to slowly healing.
- Leanne Dobinson, Harry's mum
Sands has been there for Leanne on her journey and she is fundraising for the charity through her JustGiving page.
Her story, which includes photos of Harry, is a powerful and moving account of finding hope and ways to cope with grief.