On 15th March 2017, Jo gave birth to our beautiful first-born son, Puck, at 40 weeks +9 days after an uncomplicated dream pregnancy. Due to complications during labour, Puck was born via emergency c-section and needed to be resuscitated. He was transferred to University Hospital Southampton Neo-Natal Unit but tragically died in our arms early the following morning. Whilst we are still awaiting answers as to what unfurled on that day, we feel strongly that something good must come out of this utterly devastating event that has changed our lives forever. As avid lovers of nature, we were so looking forward to sharing our passion for outdoor adventure and wildlife with our son and had made so many exciting plans. Now that this opportunity has been so cruelly stolen from us, we are adamant that Puck’s spirit will live on in the natural beauty that is all around us and we find great comfort in this belief.

Purchasing a woodland in memory of Puck will not only help with the long grieving process that lies ahead of our family, but will also offer a playground for other families who have experienced similar tragedy. It is our hope that we will be able to offer a special place for families and the amazing nurses at Southampton Neo-Natal Unit to visit and seek solace. We intend to offer the woodland to families & nurses to come and use at their leisure, whether it be to sit and contemplate, go for a beautiful walk or to come and camp for the weekend with other families with this shared experience.

As an ecologist and outdoor educator, Jo wishes to use her knowledge and experience to help other grieving families to reconnect with the wild, find peace away from the madness of the modern world and all its demands and to re-awaken a love for nature which we strongly believe can help open the heart to healing. We hope that Puck’s woodland will be a source of support & strength for all those who visit it. Please support Puck’s Promise and help our son’s short life to bring hope.