Allen & Overy (A&O) has raised £30,684 towards the work of pregnancy and baby loss charity Sands in the North, as the result of a three-year pro bono and community investment partnership.

Sands works to save babies’ lives and to make sure that the right care and support is available for everyone affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby.

Employees have raised the amount over the last three years through a wide range of fundraising activities including a sky dive, relay teams running in the Belfast City Marathon, coffee mornings and more. 

Pauline Wylie (Pro bono and community investment (PBCI) committee chair) said that Sands received overwhelming support from staff as it was a cause very close to staff hearts.

“This partnership was not just about raising funds. Staff also had the opportunity to assist with making memory boxes and knitting baby blankets for bereaved families.

“The partnership with Sands helped to raise awareness of baby loss.  We shared personal experiences to start conversations, and bereavement training was provided by Sands to ensure that colleagues were supported, and able to speak about their loss," she said.

Policy review

Senior employment lawyers also assisted Sands in reviewing policy documents for their ‘Bereavement in the Workplace’ project. A&O also provided the venue in its London office for Sands to hold its AGM.

The charity partnership also ensured the continuation of Sands’ national accredited helpline, bereavement support resources, and a monitored online community.