For each one of Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity’s supporters, it’s no secret that in 2013 over 5700 babies were stillborn or died soon after birth in the UK. Yet baby death is still a taboo subject and awareness of the issues surrounding it is not widespread.

Today is the beginning of Sands Awareness Month; a chance for anyone wishing do their bit, no matter how small, to make people listen; to highlight the fact that hundreds more babies will die during the month of June and to raise vital funds so that Sands can continue to support bereaved parents, improve the care they receive from health professionals and fund research to save babies’ lives.

The charity is asking people to help them spread the word by turning Orange this June!

Individuals and groups across the country will be embracing the colour orange by hosting an orange challenge event such as a baked beans bath or even an orange themed dinner party with carrots, pumpkins and orange sorbet on the menu.

Sands is also launching their brand new Bake4Sands fundraising initiative which continues the orange theme right the way through to cake sales featuring carrot cake or chocolate orange crispy cakes!

Supporters will be sharing their Orange Selfie on their favourite social media networks to inspire others to do the same, and updating their profile picture and cover photo for the duration of June to raise awareness.

People are also encouraged to support Sands Awareness Month and commemorate babies taken too soon, by texting JUNE01 £5 to 70070.

Selfie sign and cover images can be downloaded here: http://www.uk-sands.org/get-involved/events/sands-awareness-month

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sandscharity

Twitter: @SandsUK #Sands2015

w: www.uk-sands.org/get-involved/events/sands-awareness-month

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Notes to editors

Contacts:

For more information, please contact Natalie Cooper, Sands Press & PR Officer, on 0203 598 1959, e:Natalie.cooper@uk-sands.org.