“You don’t know love until you’ve had a child. 

You don’t know pain until you’ve lost a child.”

- Unknown 

On 6th May 2018, we welcomed our second daughter, Savannah Mackenzie Relf, who was born sleeping. 

7lbs 7oz 

38+4 weeks gestation 

48cm long 

Savannah was laid to rest on Tuesday 15th May 2018 with a beautiful service surrounded by those who love her despite having to say “goodbye” before having the chance to say “hello”. 

The loss of Savannah has been soul destroying for us, our family and our loved ones. We have been tackling each hurdle as it arises and taking each day as it comes. 

The outpouring of support that we have received has been phenomenal. Among our biggest supporters was Bears of Hope. 

One of the hardest things we have had to do was to leave the hospital without Savannah. Bears of Hope gifted us with a teddy bear that had been donated by another bereaved family in honour of their angel. This teddy bear meant that we didn’t have to walk out of the hospital with empty arms. We will treasure this teddy bear forever. 

Also gifted to us from Bears of Hope was a package that contained a beautiful memory box and suggestions for creating memories with Savannah. In addition to this, Bears of Hope also provide invaluable ongoing support services to those affected by pregnancy and infant loss. 

We are incredibly grateful for everything that Bears of Hope have done for us and we have an opportunity to help them to help more families like us. I have teamed up with some great mates to participate in their fundraising event, “Beards of Hope”. It is incredibly important to us that Savannah has a positive legacy and we would love for you to join us on our journey.

From 1st June to 31st August, “Savannah’s Boys” will be getting their beard on (and off on 1st September) and raising money for Bears Of Hope Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support.

Each day in Australia, 6 babies are stillborn, 2 babies die before their 1st birthday and a miscarriage occurs every 3.5 minutes. Tens of thousands of dads and their families are affected each year. Bears Of Hope provides support to families from the very beginning of their loss and beyond, through their extensive and much needed services.

I welcome any contribution, great or small, to help make a positive difference to the Dads and their families who experience the devastating loss of their baby. 

Thanks so much for your support!