Amazing Grace is a charitable organisation set up by husband and wife, Ryan and Fiona. Following the stillbirth of their daughter, Grace, Ryan and Fiona wanted to raise money to thank the team at the Fetal Medicine Unit at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy. Due to the incredible amount of money raised, they felt there was the opportunity to do something more impactful than simply donating the funds directly to the hospital.
After research and many conversations with the hospital team, it became clear that one of the most urgent needs was counselling for families who had experienced pregnancy complications or baby loss. On professional advice, it was agreed that a ‘Friends of’ organisation would be formed.
Amazing Grace – Friends of Fetal Medicine was launched in January 2020.
Our story began with heartbreak, but continues with hope.
After a long journey and three rounds of IVF, Ryan and I were overjoyed in March 2016 to discover that our most recent attempt had been successful—I was pregnant. Early scans were positive, so by the time we reached our twenty-week scan, we were feeling cautiously hopeful. Our biggest concern that day was avoiding finding out whether we were having a boy or a girl!
But when the sonographer mentioned there appeared to be some fluid around the baby’s organs, a very real fear set in. Nothing could have prepared us for what we were about to hear.
We were referred to the Fetal Medicine Unit at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy. After another scan, we were told our baby had Hydrops—an accumulation of fluid. In our case, this was caused by our baby’s lungs failing to develop. We were told it was highly likely that our baby would die in the womb.
The months that followed were filled with scans and hospital appointments as we made the decision to continue with the pregnancy, holding on to faith and hope that miracles can happen. We found out we were expecting a little girl and were cared for by the incredible team led by Dr Graham Tydeman, Consultant Obstetrician.
We were given the chance to build a bond with her during the precious weeks that followed. But sadly, eight weeks later, on 5th September, our daughter Grace was stillborn.
Throughout that devastating time, the team at the Fetal Medicine Unit became our lifeline. It’s impossible to fully express the impact their support had on us.
In the months that followed, we were determined to give something back. We began fundraising to help the unit continue supporting families going through difficult pregnancies. After the overwhelming success of those efforts, and following many conversations, Amazing Grace – Friends of Fetal Medicine was founded in loving memory of our beautiful Grace.
Our goals for the future and how we see ourselves growing and evolving.
At Amazing Grace, we aim to provide essential support to those struggling with baby loss, traumatic birth experiences, or challenging situations related to childbirth and newborn care in Fife. We understand that the impact of birth trauma and loss extends beyond those directly involved, so we also offer support to relatives affected by these experiences. Additionally, we extend our services to medical professionals who may benefit from the support of Amazing Grace.
We are dedicated to raising awareness about the emotional, psychological, and physical challenges of pregnancy loss, difficult births, and related experiences. By keeping the conversation open, we aim to reduce stigma and encourage greater understanding and compassion around these sensitive topics.
Amazing Grace supports the ongoing work of the Fetal Medicine Unit by assisting with staff training and contributing to medical developments or research aimed at improving the wellbeing of patients. Our goal is to provide resources that help professionals better care for those affected by birth trauma and loss.
Going forward, Amazing Grace plans to extend its reach to a broader range of individuals, ensuring that more families and individuals affected by pregnancy loss or birth trauma receive the support they need during difficult times.
Our long-term goal is to increase awareness about the wide-reaching impacts of baby loss and pregnancy challenges, ensuring that individuals and families have access to the support, understanding, and resources necessary to navigate these experiences.
We are blessed with our wide network of support. Bellow are our core team members that are the heart and soul of Amazong Grace.
In Loving Memory of GRACE CRIDLAND
