Mum's karate fundraiser in memory of baby born sleeping

Baby Rosie was born sleeping on Christmas Day 2019.

Mum Natalie, from Southowram, knew that Rosie would be born with a hole in her heart and with Downs Syndrome, but says that the fact she was born sleeping "came as a massive shock."

However, Natalie says that the support she recieved from Calderdale Royal Hospital's Labour ward was fantastic.

"When I was in the hospital the doctors and midwives were just fantastic.

"There were three midwives that were particularly amazing, I’m so grateful to Sarah, Carolyn and Sarah. They were just the best ever and so supportive in such a horrific situation."

As well as working as a service manager at HS Supported Accommodation, 37 year old Natalie is a karate enthusiast. She and her son Oliver, age 7, train at ShugYouKarate in Dean Clough, Halifax.

She has combined her passion for martial arts with her desire to give back to the labour ward.

On March 29, she is hosting a fundraising event at ShugYouKarate. The day's activities will include a karate fightathon, cake stall, raffle, tombola. The event will take place between 12:30-15:30.

"I am a really positive person and I want the fundraiser to be a fun day for families and also help give people a light in a sad situation.

"Everyone around me has been so good to me. Even local businesses have donated prizes for the raffle. It’s been a proper display of community spirit."

Natalie hopes that her story will help parents who have lost their children access and accept help

"Sometimes the hardest thing can be to accept kindness from someone. You want to just put on a brave face but accepting that help is the best thing

"Obviously it’s still heartbreaking, but the support I’ve had from people has been really heartwarming."

Click here to donate.