Rutland parents take on half marathon in loving memory of baby daughter
The parents of a baby girl who lived for just 11 precious days are taking on an emotional challenge in her memory, raising funds for the hospice that cared for their family when they needed it most.
In 2022, Daisy Hembley was born suddenly and unresponsively at home. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, a lack of oxygen caused severe brain damage. After a week in hospital, Daisy was transferred to Rainbows, where she died surrounded by her family.
Now her parents, Sophie and Liam, have signed up to run the Leicestershire Half Marathon on Sunday 22 February in Daisy’s memory. Having never run before, they are pushing themselves far beyond their comfort zone to give back to the place they describe as “home when you need it most”.
“Everyone did everything they could for Daisy when she was born, but her injury was too severe,” said Sophie. “When we came to Rainbows for end-of-life care, we were heartbroken and terrified. But from the moment we arrived, we were wrapped in care.
“In hospital, Daisy was in an incubator. At Rainbows, we were able to hold her properly. I don’t think we ever put her down. That time together means everything to us now.
“Rainbows took away the everyday worries so we could simply be Mum and Dad to Daisy and to Willow, our three-year-old. We were fed, we could sleep, and the nurses gently guided us while letting us be as involved as we wanted. We made memories with Daisy that we will treasure forever.
“You never imagine you’ll need a place like Rainbows. But when you do, the people there become your strength. The staff were so uplifting and compassionate. Nothing was ever too much trouble. Even on the day we were leaving, the chef came to find us and said, ‘Let me feed you before you go.’ That kindness stays with you.”
Daisy’s big sister, Willow, who was three at the time, was also supported at our hospice, something Sophie says made an enormous difference.
“Willow thought it was like a holiday camp,” said Sophie. “We were able to spend time together as a family. We went in the hydrotherapy pool and we all had massages. Those nurturing moments, as a family of four, are memories we never thought we would have.”
Inspired by a friend who ran the London Marathon in Daisy’s memory in 2024, Sophie and Liam decided to take on their own challenge, despite having no previous running experience. So far, they have raised £665, with Willow and their youngest child, Ronnie, now almost two. cheering them on.
“We were probably a bit naïve about how hard it would be,” Sophie said. “But every donation, every message of support, reminds us why we’re doing this. What happened to Daisy was so sudden and so unexpected. We truly don’t know how we would have survived it without Rainbows.
“If running 13 miles helps another family have the same care and precious time that we did, then every step will be worth it.”
Claire Hoggan, Senior Events Officer at Rainbows, said: “Rainbows is the only hospice in the East Midlands able to provide specialist end-of-life care for babies like Daisy. We are incredibly grateful to Sophie and Liam for taking on this challenge in their daughter’s memory. Their strength and generosity will help us continue to be there for other families during the most difficult days of their lives.”
To support Sophie and Liam, visit Sophie Hembley is fundraising for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People