Sarah’s three-day challenge raises over £1,800 for Butterfly Suite in memory of George

Back in January, Sarah Speer from Ipswich took on an incredible challenge to raise funds for the Butterfly Suite at Southend Hospital, a maternity bereavement suite that holds special meaning for her.

Sarah ran a 5k, a 10k, and a half marathon on three consecutive days at Disney World in Florida—all in memory of her best friend’s son, George, who sadly passed away at birth in September 2024. Through her efforts, Sarah raised £1,856 for the suite.
Sarah’s fundraising effort is deeply personal.

Following her friends’ Beccy and Tom’s heart-breaking loss, Sarah wanted to do something meaningful to honour George’s memory. She shared,“George was born absolutely and stunningly perfect; ten tiny fingers, ten tiny toes, his daddy’s nose and his mummy’s chin.”

During their time at Southend Hospital, Beccy and Tom were supported by the incredible bereavement team, who provided them with a cuddle cot, allowing them to spend precious time with George and create lasting memories together.

The Butterfly Suite is a place of comfort for parents going through an unimaginable loss. It’s funded entirely through donations and provides a peaceful space for families to grieve, with special items like memory-making tools, soft furnishings, and a cuddle cot to allow as much time as needed with their baby.

Sarah’s determination to raise funds for the suite came from her desire to help in any way she could. “While there is nothing I can do to ease the pain that Beccy and Tom are going through, I want to do something positive in George’s memory,” she said. Despite the tough conditions—early starts, bad weather, and feeling exhausted—Sarah pushed through and completed her goal, showing just how much this cause means to her.

Clair Dade, Fundraising coordinator for Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity said: “We are incredibly grateful for Sarah’s support. Funds raised by Sarah were match-funded by her employers at Hiscox, which means her hard work and dedication will have twice the impact. This generous contribution will help us continue to provide essential care for families at such a difficult time.”