Hertfordshire police officers raise over 10 times £500 target for baby loss charity in Three-Peaks-Challenge

Officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary took on the UK’s three highest peaks to raise money for a baby loss charity.

Led by Detective Sergeant Laura Bassett, the team of 11 climbed Scotland’s Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike in England and Snowdon in Wales, in difficult weather conditions.

Laura said: “It was really hard work and someone told us it was the worst rain Scotland had seen in 36 years!

“By the end our legs felt like dead weights. It took a few days before we all started to feel normal again, but we felt a great sense of achievement and we are grateful to everyone that has donated.”

The challenge, which took place shortly before October’s Baby Loss Awareness Week, raised more than £5,500 for baby loss charity Sands.

The team have raised more than 10 times their £500 target amount for the charity, which funds research to reduce the number of babies dying during and post pregnancy.

It also supports families affected by baby loss.

Laura added: “I wanted to raise money for Sands because they helped me through the worst time of my life.”

Last year, the detective sergeant founded the constabulary’s Child and Baby Loss Support Network, which has since been expanded into Bedfordshire Police and Cambridgeshire Constabulary.

She explained: “My aim was to provide peer support to staff and officers, both women and men, so that they feel less alone.

“Line managers are now reaching out to us and asking for our advice on how best they can support their staff following a loss.

“We help them to feel comfortable to have that conversation instead of either avoiding it or being worried about saying the wrong thing. It’s really important to acknowledge a loss even if you just say, ‘I’m really sorry to hear what had happened’.”

The constabulary has a dedicated Wellbeing Team and support network to ensure that police officers, staff and volunteers are supported in their roles and in their work to protect the public of Hertfordshire.