Charity could be forced to close

A CHARITY which supports bereaved parents who lose a baby has announced it could be forced to close as soon as March.

Since 2005, Scottish- based SiMBA has supported more than 50,000 individuals and families, providing them with invaluable support during their critical time of loss.

But now, the combination of a surge in requests for memory boxes from hospitals across the

UK, a significant shortfall in expected fundraising income, and soaring costs of producing, distributing and donating the boxes to every family who needs one, has left the charity running desperately low on funds and unable to meet the growing demand.

Despite an urgent appeal at the start of December to raise £ 220,000, only 25% of this was reached.

The charity now needs to raise the remaining amount to keep its operation going.

Sara Fitzsimmons, chief executive and co- founder of SiMBA, said: “Our wonderful charity, so appreciated and loved by the thousands of families who have received our support over the years, is now in trouble. Our costs have increased faster than ever before, while at the same time, we’ve seen a huge growth in requests for our precious memory boxes.

“As a result, we are devastated to say that we could face closing our operation unless we receive vital funds by the end of March 2023.

“So, we are making an unprecedented appeal to the public, organisations and businesses to help us through donations; fundraising; sharing our story, or in whatever way they can, so we survive this critical period.”

The charity has already undertaken cost- cutting measures, including reduced hours and salaries.

To donate to # SaveSiMBA or to find out other ways you can help support the charity, visit simbacharity. org. uk/