Friends walking from Dudley to Barmouth for baby loss awareness

Maria Webb and Vicky Weaver are setting off on a 100 mile week-long  trek from Himley Hall in Dudley to Barmouth Beach with the mission to break the silence around baby loss.

The pair set off this week (September 22) on the special journey, camping overnight along the way and will joined by families who have first-hand experience with losing a baby.

The walk has been named the Angel Walk after Ms Weaver’s own baby girl who was born sleeping almost 17 years ago.

Ms Webb, a student paramedic based at West Midlands Ambulance Service’s Sandwell hub, said: “This walk isn’t just about getting to Barmouth Beach.

"It’s about giving people the courage to talk openly about their experiences, sharing stories and reminding everyone affected by baby loss that they are not alone.

“We want to provide however much we can for some new equipment, a gym membership, family holidays or anything at all to help rebuild their lives following loss.

“I’m feeling very nervous but also, very excited.

"It has been challenging juggling the training with all my night shifts lately, as I have just started on the road as part of my Student Paramedic training but I’m eager to get going now!”

The pair, who have both worked closing with the maternity bereavement team at the Midlands Metropolitan Hospital in the past, will be raising funds for the department, allowing it to continue its vital care.

Throughout the week, Ms Webb will be share daily updates on social media, featuring walkers who are bravely opening up about their own experiences.

Six months of planning and training, four and a half stone lost and an unfaltering desire to change the conversation around all kinds of baby loss has lead them to this week.

“It’s come around so quickly,” Ms Webb, who is from Kingswinford, said. “We’re really excited to get going. We always said go big or go home!

“The topic is very close to our hearts and if we can help even one person it will be worth it.”