Bereaved parents Cole and Abbie Howat have succeeded in their personal challenge to turn £1 into £1 million for leading pregnancy and baby loss charity Sands, to save babies’ lives and support bereaved families across the UK.
The social media creators, who share their relationship, family life and their IVF journey, launched their ambitious fundraising challenge with just £1 and a determination to make a difference. Following the live draw of their final fundraising prize on 6 November, they have officially reached their incredible £1 million target for Sands.
Cole and Abbie set themselves this challenge after the devastating loss of one of their twin babies during pregnancy as they wanted to channel their grief into action.
Through raffles, competitions, online fundraising initiatives and the support of a huge community of followers, they have raised much needed funds and awareness for Sands while sharing their personal experience of baby loss.
Every pound of Cole and Abbie’s challenge, will support Sands’ vital work, supporting bereaved families, saving babies’ lives through research, training and campaigning, and helping shape better care for families before, during, and after pregnancy or baby loss.
When we started this challenge, we could never have imagined where it would lead. What began as a simple fundraising idea became something much bigger than us and was shaped by the incredible support of thousands of people who donated, took part and shared our mission.
Losing one of our twins changed our lives forever. There have been extremely difficult moments along the way, but knowing that this challenge could help other families facing the heartbreak of pregnancy and baby loss gave us the strength to keep going. Reaching £1 million is beyond anything we thought possible and we're so grateful to everyone who helped make it happen.- Cole and Abbie Howat
What Cole and Abbie have achieved is truly extraordinary. Their determination, generosity and openness have inspired people across the UK and beyond.
Following the heartbreaking loss of one of their twins, they made the remarkable decision to use their experience to help other families affected by pregnancy and baby loss. Through their fundraising they have created a lasting legacy that will help Sands provide support, save babies' lives and ensure bereaved families know they are not alone.
This challenge was about much more than money. Seeing the conversations their posts generated has been truly inspirational. People responded to their honest descriptions of the impact of baby loss; the devastation and also the hope and the love that can co-exist.
On behalf of everyone at Sands, and the many families who will benefit from the impact of this fundraising and their speaking out, I want to offer our heartfelt thanks to Cole and Abbie and every person who supported their journey.- Clea Harmer, Chief Executive
The challenge began with an old chest of drawers that Cole bought for a pound, upcycled and raffled online, which raised an incredible £17,000. Money raised from that raffle was then reinvested to fund the next one, and prizes have included a Fiat 500, and a huge luxury hamper of products.
Throughout the challenge, supporters from across the UK joined Cole and Abbie's fundraising community, helping transform a single pound into one of the most successful supporter-led fundraising initiatives in Sands' history.
Sands here to support
As part of their journey Cole and Abbie attended a Sands event led by their local Sands support group, Dumfries and Galloway Sands, and shared that this gave them comfort and support.
This winter, Sands is here for anyone touched by pregnancy or baby loss. As well as the charity’s Helpline and other bereavement support services, there are many events taking place across the UK that families can join together with a community that understands.
Find out about events including Starlight Walks, Winter Lights, and wreath making on Sands’ interactive map.
Find out more about all the ways the charity offers bereavement support.