A mum who tragically lost 10 babies has opened up about her heartbreaking miscarriage experiences, and how a charity saved her life.
Beccy Thompson is among several women who have recalled their difficulties trying to have a baby.
In a heartbreaking video for Baby Loss Awareness Week which runs until October 15, the women have revealed how the Chasing Rainbows charity has supported them.
Between the 21 women in the support group, 105 of their babies sadly didn't made it to term. Some of the members have suffered up to 10 miscarriages, reports Hull Live.
In the clip, founder Sam Catanach opened up that she went through five miscarriages of her own and felt completely alone. She felt that she needed to help other women going through the same experiences as her, and so decided to start the charity.
Beccy, from Hull, disclosed that she has gone through 10 losses altogether, revealing that her heart shattered more and more every time.
In the footage, she opened up about the difficult moments she endured when she was told her baby had not survived.
She said: "It was since trying for my second baby that the problems started. Since then we have lost 10 babies and your heart is just shattered more and more every time. You are told those heartbreaking words that there is no heartbeat.
"Each one of these babies that we've lost was very much wanted and was given a part in our family and trying to live with all these empty spaces in your life has become more and more difficult - it has completely consumed us as a family."
She then went on to say that Chasing Rainbows had become a "lifeline" for her and her family, but added that she was nervous about speaking to the charity regarding her own experiences.
However, she managed to break her barriers and attended support sessions, saying: "The support and empathy that this group provides has got me to where I am today. It's a place where you're listened to without judgement and it's only of only a few places where I can fully open up and I am fully understood.
"These are the warriors that have been through the same thing. They share the same feelings and they just get it."
Since the group met for the first time in May 2019, some ladies have gained enough knowledge and support to be able to have 'rainbow babies' following their miscarriages.
Other brave women stated how same and the charity changed their lives, adding that the friendships they made with the other women stopped them from taking their own lives.
And Amy Donnelly - an original member of the Chasing Rainbows support group - explained how her miscarriages were "the darkest part of her life" and went to the group seeking support.
She revealed that Sam and other members knew what to say and how to give support when no-one else did, adding that through their aid she was able to have a baby, saying: "If it wasn't for Chasing Rainbows, I wouldn't have my rainbow baby."
Another member, Stephanie, faced a similar experience and all together went through nine miscarriages - including the tragic loss of twins. She explained how she was the lowest she had ever been and saw "no way forward".
Founder Sam was able to provide Stephanie with expertise and medical contacts, believing that she had a medical issue that could have slipped under the radar.
After tests and, luckily, treatment, Stephanie was able to have her daughter, saying: "Now I have Matilda, she's my rainbow baby, she is the light in the dark. She is just perfect."
For some women in the group, Chasing Rainbows was not only a place for medical advice and support but a much-needed lifeline.
Kate Herring opened up about her tragic suicide attempt after losing a few babies and feeling alone, saying: "I genuinely believe I would not be here if it wasn't for Sam. I tried to take an overdose and without Sam, and without these ladies, I wouldn't be here."
The group is for local women who have gone through two or more miscarriages.
After losing a baby, women in Hull are given a memory bracelet, which has the details for Chasing Rainbows on, and they are free to contact Sam whenever they want to.
Sam explained that women who have gone through baby loss may struggle with anything from walking down a baby clothes aisle to finding out friends and family members are pregnant. The group is a safe space to chat and not feel judged.
Recently, an event was held to mark the beginning of Baby Loss Awareness week. Tickets for the event on October 7 sold out in 24 hours and £10,900 was raised for the charity.
Sam and the other women hope that making a video about their very personal experiences with loss will encourage other women to seek support.
They can be contacted through their website or social media page.
