Edinburgh author Ryan Sam Turner launches debut novel in support of stillbirth and neonatal death charity SANDS

An Edinburgh writer has announced the release of his debut novel Born will raise money for stillbirth and neonatal death charity SANDS.

Born is the first full-length novel from Ryan Sam Turner and follows the story of a young couple experiencing the pain of a stillborn son.

The 37-year-old, from the Barnton area of the city, was inspired to write the novel by a segment he saw on the news and is delighted - and relieved - to have received the support of SANDS, given he has no direct experience of stillbirth or neo-natal death.

Edinburgh author Ryan Sam Turner will donate a portion of his proceeds from Born to charity Sands

Said Turner: “Although I have never personally experienced such a trauma, I was drawn to the subject after hearing a family talking about their loss on the news one morning. After conducting a lot of research, speaking with families, charities and midwives, I quickly found out just how hard and heartbreaking having a stillborn baby is and I really wanted to help raise awareness of the subject as well as some money for a great charity.

“I am immensely proud, and relieved, to have SANDS approve my novel and show support for it.”

Turner will donate 10 per cent of the proceeds from Born to the charity to support their work reducing, and providing care to families affected by, stillbirth and neonatal death.

Jen Coates, director of bereavement services and volunteering at SANDS said: “Sadly, 14 babies die every day in the UK and one in four pregnancies end in a loss. For over 40 years SANDS has played a vital role in supporting families when the worst happens; providing confidential and compassionate bereavement support to anyone impacted by the death of a baby.

"Thank you to Ryan Sam Turner for breaking the silence surrounding baby loss through his new novel Born and shining a light on the vast impact that baby loss has on the lives of everyone impacted by it.”

Born, published by Balladeer Books, is out now and available in paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats. The novel is available to order from www.ryansamturner.com and is in all good bookstores.

If you have been affected by stillbirth or neonatal death and need support, visit the SANDS website or contact the helpline at 0808 164 3332, [email protected].

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.