‘ONE CHALLENGE. 250 CHAMPIONS. 250,000 BABIES REMEMBERED’
Mariposa 250 is the charity’s new fundraising initiative to bring together 250 fundraisers in a year of making a difference.
Each year in the UK, over 250,000 babies are lost during pregnancy or at birth. Behind every number lies a family, a story, a heartbreak.
This Baby Loss Awareness Week, we’re launching a 12-month challenge — running throughout the year from October 2025 to October 2026. We’re inviting 250 extraordinary people to stand up and represent the 250,000 babies who never got their tomorrow. Each participant will honour 1,000 babies, carrying their memory while raising vital funds for Mariposa International, home of Saying Goodbye, the world’s leading support network for bereaved parents.
You can choose to fundraise in so many different ways… You may be an artist and could sell art to raise funds, or you may love cycling and could take part in a biking challenge. Are you an aspiring chef who could bake cakes and sell them at work, or maybe you could climb to Everest Base Camp. You could hold a comedy night, plan a ball, run a marathon, skydive, walk a hundred miles or maybe do them all!
Today and every day, individuals and families around the UK are finding out the devastating news that their longed-for baby has died. Sadly, no one can reverse time and change what has happened, but Mariposa International can provide resources, befriending, services and much more to support them through their heartbreak and trauma.
Together, as the Mariposa 250, we will turn grief into action and remembrance into hope. Because no one should face baby loss alone.
💜 Will you be one of the 250?
‘YOUR CHALLENGE. THEIR MEMORY. OUR HOPE’
Please click on the button below to fill in a form and sign up today:
FAQ:
How much do I need to raise, if I sign up?
We’re asking every participant to raise as much as they can – to truly challenge themselves, and make a lasting impact for families who have faced unimaginable loss. There’s no fixed minimum, because every effort matters – but we encourage you to set your sights high. Whether your target is £250, £1,000 or even more, every pound raised helps Mariposa International provide vital support, befriending, training, remembrance services and more for those navigating the heartbreak of baby loss and infertility.
What kind of challenge can I do?
This is your challenge — something that means something to you.
You can take on any challenge that inspires you, pushes you, and helps you honour the memory of the 1,000 babies you represent. It could be physical, creative, reflective, or completely unique. The only rule? Make it meaningful and make it count.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Physical Challenges
- Walk, run, or cycle 250 miles over the year — one mile for every baby lost each day.
- Take on 250,000 steps during Baby Loss Awareness Week.
- Swim 250 lengths, climb 250 flights of stairs, or complete 250 laps of your local park.
- Organise a group walk or remembrance run in your community.
Creative & Personal Challenges
- Write or paint 250 messages of hope and share them online to raise awareness.
- Create and sell 250 handmade butterflies, candles, or ribbons to fundraise.
- Host a 250-minute silent reflection or remembrance evening.
- Share 250 stories, poems, or photos that honour babies gone too soon.
Community & Collective Challenges
- Get a team together to collectively raise £2,500 or complete 250 acts of kindness.
- Organise a Saying Goodbye coffee morning or remembrance walk in your town.
- Host a “Light Up for 250” event, where 250 candles or lights are lit in remembrance.
Why 250?
Every year, over 250,000 babies are lost in pregnancy and birth in the UK. By taking on this challenge, you represent 1,000 of those babies — giving them a voice and helping ensure their families get the care, comfort, and support they deserve. Whatever you choose to do, make it personal, powerful, and full of purpose.
How do I get started?
Taking part in The 250 Challenge is simple — and life-changing. Here’s how to join the movement and start making a difference:
1. Sign Up
Register your interest and become one of our 250 champions. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive a welcome pack filled with inspiration, fundraising ideas, social media assets, and stories to remind you exactly why your challenge matters.
2. Choose Your Challenge
Decide how you’ll honour the 1,000 babies you represent.
It could be something physical, creative, or deeply personal — whatever pushes you to step outside your comfort zone and share your “why.” Remember, there’s no right or wrong challenge; what matters most is the heart behind it.
3. Set Your Fundraising Target and Create Your JustGiving Fundraising Page
There’s no minimum, but we encourage you to dream big. Aim high — £250, £1,000, or even more. Every pound you raise helps Mariposa International support bereaved families, create remembrance opportunities, and fund vital outreach work.
Your JustGiving fundraising page is your way of telling your story and inspiring others to give or to join with you.
Your passion will inspire others — and every donation tells a story of hope.
4. Share Your Journey
Tell the world what you’re doing and why. Share your challenge on social media, talk to friends, family, and colleagues, and use the hashtag #The250Challenge to connect with others taking part.
Each story shared helps break the silence around baby loss and shows families everywhere that they are not alone.
5. Honour, Remember, and Celebrate
When you complete your challenge, take a moment to pause, reflect, and honour the babies and families who inspired you. You’ll be part of something extraordinary — 250 people united by love, remembrance, and the hope of healing.
Ready to Begin?
Click Join the 250 and start your journey today.
It’s Your Journey
You can take on one big (or small) challenge or a series of challenges — it’s completely up to you.
What matters most is that everything you do is completed within one year, between this Baby Loss Awareness Week and the end of Baby Loss Awareness Week 2026.
Some people choose a single, powerful goal — like running a race, walking 100 miles, or hosting a local gala. Others prefer to take on a collection of meaningful moments throughout the year — such as several community fundraisers, creative projects, or personal milestones.
However you choose to do it, each challenge contributes to your total fundraising and your lasting impact. It’s not about how much you do — it’s about why you do it.
Every act of remembrance, big or small, helps shine light into someone’s darkness.
Because every step you take, every pound you raise, and every story you share brings light to the lives of those touched by baby loss.
Rewards of Remembrance: Our Way of Saying Thank You
Every pound you raise helps families through the heartbreak of baby loss — and we want to honour your incredible efforts.
As you reach each fundraising milestone, you’ll receive special rewards to thank you for your dedication, compassion, and commitment.
All rewards will be given once your fundraising challenge ends.
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£500 – Mariposa Supporter
• Receive your official Mariposa Charity Top to wear with pride
• Enjoy 50% off tickets to the Mariposa Ball (your choice of 2026 or 2027)
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£750 – Community Champion
• Mariposa Charity Top and a 50% discount off Mariposa Ball tickets
• Plus 5 signed copies of Saying Goodbye to donate to your local hospital, helping other families find comfort and hope
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£1,000 – Beacon of Hope
• Mariposa Charity Top and 1 free ticket to the Mariposa Ball (2026 or 2027) (Worth £200)
- 50% off additional tickets to the Mariposa Ball
• 5 signed copies of Saying Goodbye to gift to your local hospital or baby loss unit
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£1,750 – Remembrance Advocate
• Mariposa Charity Top and 2 free tickets to the Mariposa Ball (Worth £400)
- 50% off additional tickets to the Mariposa Ball
• 10 signed copies of Saying Goodbye for donation to your chosen hospital or maternity ward
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£2,500 – Circle of Light
• Mariposa Charity Top and 4 free tickets to the Mariposa Ball (Worth £800)
- 50% off additional tickets to the Mariposa Ball
• 10 signed copies of Saying Goodbye to share with your local hospital
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£8,000 – Fundraiser of the Year Finalist
• Mariposa Charity Top and 6 free tickets to the Mariposa Ball (Worth £1,200)
- 50% off additional tickets to the Mariposa Ball
• 15 signed copies of Saying Goodbye for donation
• Automatic entry into the Mariposa “Fundraiser of the Year” award — recognising those who go above and beyond for families in need
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£25,000 – Legacy of Love
• A named award at the Mariposa Awards, dedicated for one year in honour of your baby
• Mariposa Charity Top
• A full table (10 guests) at the Mariposa Ball (Worth over £2,000)
• 25 signed copies of Saying Goodbye to donate to your local hospital
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£50,000+ – Eternal Legacy
• An award named after your baby at the Mariposa Awards (for 5 years)
• A table for 10 guests at the Mariposa Ball for two consecutive years (Worth £5,000)
• Mariposa Charity Top
• 50 signed copies of Saying Goodbye to donate to your chosen hospitals
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**All items are subject to change
Each milestone you reach helps bring light to others in their darkest moments.
Your passion not only raises vital funds — it builds a legacy of love, remembrance, and hope for families across the UK.