• Volunteer's name: Caroline Evans
• Current role: Befriender, Hospital Liaison, committee member

I lost my son Ben in 2001 due to neo-natal death, which seems so long ago but as we know the grief is always there - just different and full of what could have been's.

I knew while I was in the hospital I would not be able to cope without the help of talking to people who had also experienced this tragedy and that was so true. A few years on, and I then wanted to give back to helping others to cope. I trained as a befriender and then took over the helpline for Surrey Sands and became the representative at the hospital where I lost Ben.

It has been rewarding seeing the progress made within the hospital and helping parents to have the best possible experience at one of the worst times of their lives.

Emma Kedge, South East Network Coordinator said: “Caroline has volunteered for Surrey Sands for over ten years, providing excellent befriending and a long term hospital liaison for East Surrey Hospital.”

Caroline has been nominated as part of 40 volunteers for #Sands40. Join them at Sands 40th Anniversary Conference on 17th November 2018 in Glasgow. 

Sands is marking its 40th anniversary this year and we would like to say thank you for the incredible support and contribution that our dedicated volunteers make across the UK to support bereaved parents and anyone affected by the death of a baby. 

We will be hosting an awards ceremony during the Sands 40th Anniversary Conference to celebrate the wide range of volunteering involvement in Sands and acknowledge 40 volunteers for their dedication and commitment.