​Award Winning Rinse FM DJ to take on London Marathon in memory of baby son

On 24 April 2016 bereaved father, Simon Duggins, will be hitting the streets of the capital in this year's Virgin Money London Marathon as part of Team Sands.

Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity, works to support families devastated by the death of a baby before, during, or shortly after birth, and improve the care they receive as well as promoting research and changes in practice that could help to reduce the loss of babies' lives.

Simon Duggins - aka Uncle Dugs - is an award winning Jungle DJ on Rinse FM. In 2012 he and his wife Sarah's baby son died Alfie died at 33 weeks. Simon nearly lost his wife at the time also.

Simon says:

“Losing a child is something you never get over, you just learn to deal with it better as time goes by, its every parent's worst nightmare and believe me it is a nightmare. In these desperate times of need you rely on family and friends and the professional help of others including nurses, counsellors and charities such as Sands and bereavement groups.

“I'm running for Alfie of course but will be donating every single penny I raise to Sands to help them to carry on doing the great work they do. As well as raising money I want to raise awareness about stillbirth because it's a taboo subject that people find hard to talk about or even acknowledge.”

As part of his fundraising efforts for Sands he's already hosted a boat party and an online auction where users made bids for Club Labrynth memorabilia. His original fundraising target was £5,000 but he's already raised around £12,000!

If you would like to support him in his London Marathon attempt then please visit https://www.justgiving.com/uncledugs

https://twitter.com/UncleDugs

Sands relies on the generosity of fundraisers and supporter to continue their vital work.

Stillbirth and neonatal death are not rare events. In 2014 around 5,600 babies died just before, during or soon after birth shattering the lives of parents, family and friends and the health care professionals who cared for them.

To find out more about Sands please visit: www.uk-sands.org.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Simon Duggins is available for interview.

For more information, please contact Natalie Cooper, Sands Press & PR Officer, on 0203 598 1959, e: Natalie.cooper@uk-sands.org.

About Sands:

Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity, was established by bereaved parents in 1978.

Sands supports anyone affected by the death of a baby; works in partnership with health professionals to improve the quality of care and services offered to bereaved families; and promotes and funds research and changes in practice that could help to reduce the loss of babies' lives.

Sands is a national organisation, with over 100 regional support groups across the UK. Further information can be found at www.uk-sands.org.