A GRANDFATHER who was knocked off his bike just 12 miles away in a charity race from Lands End to John O’Groats is preparing to take on the challenge again.
Brian English, 61, made his way home in 2019 in memory of his stillborn daughter, Siobhan Elizabeth.
Unaware of the extent of his injuries after being knocked down, he bravely got up and continued pedaling for another 20 miles.
But he had to retire and doctors later found he had broken his hip.
After recovering, Mr. Englaish prepares to hit the road again to help the Society of Stillbirth and Neonatal Death (SAND).
Next month is Society Awareness Month and will focus on supporting those affected by the death of a baby.
Mr English, the chairman of Essex SANDS said: ‘I was very upset when I had to retire, I didn’t know I had broken my hip and asked the surgeon if I would had done more damage on horseback and he said it wasn’t. it doesn’t do it very well.
Mr English, from South Woodham Ferrers, has since had hip replacement surgery and is now recovered and will take part in the bike ride again in September.
Essex SANDS is a volunteer-run group based in South Woodham Ferrers which provides support to people who are suffering from the loss of a baby.
The charity promotes research and works to improve care for bereaved parents by providing emotional and practical support and organizing monthly meetings.
Mr English said: “The loss of a child during pregnancy or childbirth affects parents for life, but the general public is not always aware of the significant and full impact of such a tragedy.
“There’s a lot of stigma around losing a baby, people don’t know what to do or say to someone who has lost their baby.
“When parents dream about that baby, it’s hard for friends and family to know what to do, but it’s always better to say something than nothing.
“In the UK, 13 babies die a day, so raising awareness of support is very important.”
Brian has a JustGiving page to raise funds for Essex SANDS which can be found at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/brian-english2
