Sheryl McMahon

I first contacted Sands following the birth and death of my second daughter Alison Hannah in  May 1985 who suffered meconium aspiration during labour.  She died aged 27 hours, peacefully in my arms.

I contacted Sands a few short weeks after Alison’s death and received wonderful support from a Sands befriender via the telephone as there were no groups in my local area.  I valued that support very much and never forgot the kindness I received from the befriender and Sands Head Office.

In 1998 I gave birth to my son Jacob and with him, came renewed feelings of grief.  It was then that I contacted Birmingham Sands and attended their monthly meetings, my first experience of meeting other parents face to face who were just like me.  I felt like a door had been opened and felt so privileged to be able to sit and share the ongoing pain that exists when you are bereaved parent.  I felt 'normal' for the first time in a very long time for wanting to speak with others about Alison.  Even though I have always been able to share with my family, there is no friend like a Sands friend who 'knows'.

When asked if I would like to consider becoming a Trustee with Sands, I could think of no better way to honour my daughter's brief life and to hopefully continue to give back to an organisation that has been a constant in my own personal journey with grief.