Fly High Ruby: Honouring a daughter’s memory through running and support

In August 2024, Leigh-on-Sea couple Sam and Pete Goldring’s world changed forever when they tragically lost their daughter, Ruby, just six days after her birth. Ruby arrived at 32 weeks, but due to unexpected complications, was transferred from Southend Hospital to the Neonatal unit at the Royal London Hospital.

As Sam and Pete navigated the emotional toll of Ruby’s declining health immediately following her birth, Southend Hospital’s maternity bereavement midwife, Amanda Cushing, made the trip to London to meet baby Ruby. She ensured that Sam and Pete could still make precious memories with their daughter, including hand and feet casts and other special moments to hold onto forever. Amanda’s compassionate support helped the Goldrings through their initial days of grief; gently guiding them to the next steps following such a sad six days since their daughter’s arrival.

For Sam and Pete, exercise became a powerful tool for coping with their loss. Pete, an avid runner who has completed many marathons, has used running as an outlet for his grief, particularly as a father navigating the pain of losing a child. For Sam, running, walking, and yoga have provided not only physical benefits but also a vital emotional release. Exercise has become an essential part of their mental health journey, and through their running and fitness clothing brand, Happystride, they have supported numerous mental health charities since its launch in 2021.

To honour Ruby and the support they received, Sam and Pete have released a special edition of running shorts, the Ruby Fly High shorts. Featuring gold ruby rings and hearts—symbols deeply meaningful to their family—the design represents the love Sam, Pete, and their wider family have for Ruby. This tribute follows a tradition they began with the birth of their first daughter Polly, when they created a limited-edition pair of shorts in her honour, making these designs a meaningful way to celebrate and remember their children.

A portion of the proceeds from these shorts will benefit Southend Hospital’s Butterfly Suite, a dedicated space for parents facing the heartbreaking loss of a baby. Through this fundraiser, Sam and Pete can give back to the hospital that provided them with essential care and support during their darkest days.

Sam and Pete said: “Having Amanda by our side through this journey meant the world to us, there were moments that she stepped in when we’re really not sure what we would have done without her.

“It was comforting knowing that, despite everything, we could still create precious memories with Ruby.”

Fly High Ruby shorts are available to purchase now from the Happystride website (www.happystride.co.uk).