Mum to Honour Stillborn Daughter’s Memory with Moving Fundraiser

A mother has pledged to raise money for a lifeline charity that helped support her through the devastating loss of her stillborn daughter.

Ali Mellor was 29 when she lost her daughter, Belle, 13 years ago.

The 42-year-old mum contacted a midwife at Noble’s Hospital after feeling unwell at 36 weeks pregnant.

Tragically, after undergoing tests, doctors were unable to detect a heartbeat. It was later confirmed that she had lost her baby.

Struggling to cope with her grief, Ali was signposted to the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity (SANDS), an organisation dedicated to supporting those affected by the loss of an infant.

During her grieving process, the charity provided Ali with tools, reading materials and booklets of what to expect. They also worked with the team at the Jane Crookall Maternity Unit, keeping Ali and her team of midwives in the loop regarding what SANDS can provide and how they can help.

Despite the passage of time, Ali remains deeply grateful for the support she received and is determined to give back.

Now a competitive skateboarder and coach, she is organising a sponsored skate in Douglas on what would have been Belle’s 13th birthday.

Ali was already a mother when she was pregnant with Belle, juggling pregnancy while raising a toddler.

Reflecting on that time, she said: ‘I had a toddler who was told that a baby was arriving, that they were going to be a big brother – and then suddenly, there was nothing. We were dealing with something huge and inconsolable.’

Since receiving help from SANDS, Ali has made a conscious effort to break the stigma surrounding discussions of stillbirth and miscarriage.

Ali skating with her daughter Ivy (Ali Mellor)

‘I hope to do more for SANDS—to raise awareness for stillbirths and miscarriages, to encourage understanding, and to make sure people know they’re not alone. People do care if you’re suffering or grieving.’

‘Unfortunately, it’s very common. I want to break down the stereotype of brushing it under the carpet—pretending it doesn’t happen, and that you shouldn’t talk about it.’

Ali praised care she received at the Jane Crookall Maternity Ward at Noble’s Hospital, expressing her appreciation for the midwives who guided her through Belle’s birth and supported her in the aftermath.

They also introduced her to SANDS, which became a crucial source of comfort.

Thirteen years on, Ali continues to honour and remember her daughter.

‘Now that I’ve dealt with that, I feel I can handle anything life throws at me. It made me incredibly strong and resilient, and I have Belle to thank for that. It’s not something I would wish on anybody else.’

‘One thing I am grateful for is that she gave me the resilience and strength to carry on. And I was very lucky – I had two more rainbow babies after her. Things do change 100%.’

Ali’s fundraiser will take place on Saturday, March 22, starting at the Bottleneck Car Park.

The event is open to people from all walks of like, not just skateboarders, and those who attend are invited to walk, skate, scooter, or even dance along the promenade route at their open pace.

Donations can be made on the day or through an online fundraiser at https://edge.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ali-mellor.

For more information and updates to the schedule, Ali can be contacted through her Facebook page, ‘Gal Skate’.