Story

After losing our little girl Audrey on 18 September 2012, my wife Kate and two other daughters Emily and Lucy found ourselves in a place we never imagined we would be, experiencing the loss of a child and sister. With only a few weeks of our third pregnancy left to go I allowed myself to picture my family with three kids and started making the necessary changes at home that would come with this new little arrival. At 30 weeks however everything at home and in our family was changed forever when we learnt that Audrey’s heart had stopped beating.

After spending some of the most beautiful time with Audrey we returned home to try and make sense of these events and help Emily and Lucy understand why Audrey hadn’t come home with us. During this time Kate and I came to realise that we had unintentionally become a part of a community of other people affected by stillbirth and it was at this time I became aware of the Stillbirth Foundation and the amazing work this group does. Through the Stillbirth Foundation I also became aware of the Sydney to CAMberra charity ride and was immediately drawn to this event. I wanted to honour Audrey in a tangible way and at the same time support the Stillbirth Foundation and hopefully assist research and other efforts that would help other families who found themselves in the same situation I was in.

This will be my eighth Sydney to CAMberra adventure since first learning of the Sydney to CAMberra back in 2012.  I call it an adventure as every year is different, full of the most amazing highs and at times sadness, but every bit of the journey worth it, leaving me with valuable memories of Audrey, who completes every kilometre with me.  This event has easily become one of the most satisfying things I do each year and has become a time where my whole family come together to celebrate Audrey.

A lot has changed for me since 18 September 2012, including Audrey becoming a big sister to William and Zara, but regardless of what changes, my love for Audrey has never diminished and if anything grows and flourishes.  With each passing Sydney to CAMberra I come to realise how much Audrey has become an integral member of my family and while we’re taking on the ride virtually this year it continues to be an opportunity to stop and reflect, and raise money for a great cause.

You can support my efforts by making a secure donation, and by sharing my page.

Thanks so much for your support!
Lots of love
David (along with Kate, Emily, Lucy, Audrey, William and Zara)