Only 3 weeks to the Big Push

It's only three weeks to the Big Push. Did you sign up yet? If not, you can do so here. Why not persuade a friend to join you. It will be a great day out. the walk is every bit as beautiful as it was last year the tree of us organisers did a trial run at the weekend.

If you can't attend perhaps you could make a donation, or some cakes for the cake stall, or simply sponsor a friend.

Here is a letter from Sharon in Woking, thanking you in advance for your support of the NCT. Funds you raise will enable the NCT to continue their work, which has helped her and thousands of people like her. 

Dear Isle of Ely NCT Member 

I wanted to let you know how the support I received from NCT enabled me to deal with my postnatal depression so you can see how your fundraising will help. 

I first knew I wasn't coping well when my daughter was 11 weeks old.  I cried all the time, I felt I was failing her and I was anxious about everything.  I was referred to the GP, but at the time I didn't want to take antidepressants as I wanted to breastfeed, so as a result I kind of got lost in the system. 

My daughter had colic for the first 14 weeks - I'd been up till 2am most nights with her screaming from 9pm till 2am.  I spent many nights sobbing in front of my little girl, begging her not to cry, to tell me what I was doing wrong… I felt like I was letting her down every day.  My husband couldn't understand why I was like I was and told me to get on with it.  I couldn't tell people how I felt. 

Going to my local NCT Bumps and Babies group gave me a place to go. While my daughter was young I joined the branch committee and this got me out of the house even if it was just for a few hours a week. Finally at my eight month check I was referred back to the GP.  A health visitor began weekly visits and I started antidepressants when my daughter reached her first birthday. 

I suffered again when my second child was 7 months old.  This time I went to the GP early and I started antidepressants when he was 8 months old.  I hope to stop taking them soon. 

I met some of my closest friends at my NCT antenatal classes and I want others to be able to access that same support network and have somewhere to go when they are struggling. Your Big Push sponsorship money will enable NCT to provide more new parents with support and information to enable them and their babies have the best possible start. 

By taking part in the Big Push you will make a real difference to new parents. When you are suffering with post natal depression you feel a complete failure as a mother. It is vital that new mums get support early on to prevent them from becoming isolated and fearful of being unable to cope. Thank you for helping make this support possible.

          Best wishes,

 Sharon, Woking