Forever Stars, a Nottinghamshire charity supporting families affected by baby loss and stillbirth, has reached a monumental milestone of £1 million in total funds raised. The charity, founded in May 2014 by Richard and Michelle Daniels after the stillbirth of their daughter Emily in December 2013, provides emotional support, practical advice, and counselling to anyone affected by the death of a baby.
Fundraising Achievements
The £1 million was raised over 12 years through community initiatives including raffles, tombola stalls, golf days, comedy nights, and personal challenges such as skydives, the London Marathon, the Derby Ramathon, and the Robin Hood Half Marathon. Co-founder Richard Daniels expressed immense pride: “I'm immensely proud of the last 12 years and the work that the whole team has done to get us to this point. £1m is a lot of money and I hope that with every pound that people have donated, they feel we have made that pound count, and that they feel part of the £1m fundraising achievement.” He added that all projects are funded entirely by the generosity of companies and individuals who wish for baby loss bereavement care to be the best it can be for families in Nottingham and the East Midlands.
Key Projects Funded
The charity’s first campaign raised £180,000 within its first year, funding the creation of the Serenity Suite at Queen's Medical Centre (QMC), a dedicated bereavement facility for parents experiencing baby loss. Since opening on April 28, 2016, the suite has supported over 2,600 families. Over the years, funds have also enabled Serenity Suites at City Hospital in Nottingham, the Serenity Garden in Highfield Park, and the Forever Stars Serenity Centre. Last year, the charity received The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest recognition for a local voluntary group in the UK.
Community and Future Goals
Richard recalled the charity’s first event with former Nottingham Forest footballer John McGovern, which raised around £1,500. Long Eaton Rugby Club has been a key supporter, raising over £30,000. The charity is now aiming to raise £2 million to further improve mental health and wellbeing services for grieving families. Richard noted: “The money raised has created something far more important – a community that didn't exist before, it's helped remove the feeling of isolation and not feeling cared about for hundreds of families every year. This is the highlight.” The charity is run entirely by trustees and around 100 dedicated volunteers.
