Every single day in the UK 17 babies are stillborn or die within the first few weeks of their precious short lives. This is a shockingly high figure and yet most people still don’t realise that this tragedy still happens.

We want you to help us to break the deafening silence surrounding baby loss and let people know that it’s OK to talk about it through our Stop17 selfie campaign.  Post a photo of yourself to your Facebook, Twitter or Instagram accounts with a sign saying Stop17’.  Tag 17 of your friends, family, work colleagues etc. and nominate them do the same and help spread the word. 

You can download our Stop17 sign here or create your own.  If you have experienced the devastating loss of a baby yourself, you may want to honour your baby’s memory as part of the campaign and include his or her name on your sign.

You can also donate and encourage others to donate by via our Stop17 text campaign.  This will help Sands to continue to support those affected by the death of a baby, and also fund research to Stop17 babies dying every day in the UK. To donate simply text “STOP17” and the amount you wish to donate (£3/£5/£10) to 70070 to donate to Sands and make a difference today. E.g. Text STOP17 £5 and send that to 70070.  Once you’ve sent your text, you will receive a Thank You confirming your donation.  Don’t forget to follow the link if you are able to Gift Aid the amount.

Tweet your followers: Text STOP17 £5 to 70070 to donate to Sands. Help make a difference today. 17 babies dying each day is 17 too many. #SandsAwareness2014

Even if you don’t Facebook or Tweet you can still support Stop17.  Text, email or send a postcard to your friends and family.  If you’re doing a fundraising event during June why not pin our Stop17 sign to your t-shirt? If you’re having friends over for a BBQ why not ask them to Text2Donate when they arrive?

Whatever you do don’t forget to share your selfies with us too! We’d love to see how creative you’ve been.  Either post to our official Facebook page www.facebook.com/sandscharity or send them to fundraising@uk-sands.org

Thank you and Good Luck!