Couple’s miscarriage grief
Mission to raise money after tragedy on day of first wedding anniversary
A couple have organised a Scarborough fun run for the Miscarriage Association after tragically losing their baby. Claire and Kitty Craggs suffered the heartbreaking news in May that they had miscarried at their 12-week scan, the day of their first wedding anniversary.
Claire said:
“It was hard and devastating. I think for a lesbian couple it is much harder to get pregnant. You have to arrange everything.
“When we found out I was in limbo. I called my family and they just burst into tears. You don’t realise how emotional it is for everyone.”
The couple, who work as team leaders in hospitality at Opera House Casino, have been together for four years and got married in May 2015.
Claire, 33, and Kitty, 26, spoke of how their traumatic experience has made them stronger.
“When it first happened, I pushed my loved ones away,” said Claire. “Kitty was amazing. She was my rock. We were there for each other and have certainly grown closer following the miscarriage.”
Claire now runs three or four times a week after taking up running as a distraction from the emotional rollercoaster of miscarrying the couple’s first child.
Now the couple have decided to turn a negative into a positive by raising awareness about miscarriage, which affects one in around four pregnancies, by organising a fun run in Scarborough.
The fancy dress fun run will take place on March 1 at 2pm with participants meeting at Blue Crush Bar before tackling 5km to the Spa, where refreshments will be available.
There is also a chance to win £50 with Opera House Casino champion runner Max offering the prize to anyone who beats him to the finish line.
Claire said: “We have at least 50 people attending already which is fantastic but anyone is welcome to come down and join us on the day. We would like the day to be a positive one for all.
“We want people to speak about their experiences, men included, as people tend to go into their shells and not share their feelings.”
Despite their painful time, Claire and Kitty are determined to achieve their dream of becoming mums.
Claire said: “After the fundraising we are looking to start trying for another baby. I feel like I am ready, physically and mentally.
“Now my body is a lot fitter so fingers crossed things go better this time around.
“We want to get the message out to people that there is light at the end of the tunnel. We are not going to give up.”
People can donate at http:// bit.ly/2lHwajW