Farms for City Children has many supporters, from businesses making us their charity of the year to individuals who pound the streets running epic sponsored marathons, we are truly indebted to each one. People have many reasons for fundraising for us, often deeply personal and poignant. The support we have received from Sally Bird, her family and friends has been one of these stories.
Tragically Sally and David’s eldest daughter Caitlin unexpectedly died aged just 13, in 2020 to Myocarditis, as a result of contracting Covid. Leaving them both and younger sister Leah devastated. The death of a child at any age is heart breaking. But to do so at a time when large funerals were not allowed and family could not visit, added another layer of grief. Family, friends and Caitlin’s school rallied, from a distance, and enveloped the family in love and support. That continues to this day.
One such example, which became a catalyst the family’s fundraising, was when Caitlin’s teacher Mr Allbright contacted our founder, Michael Morpurgo’s publisher to share the family’s story as Caitlin was a huge fan of his books. As Sally explains: “Caitlin was passionate about reading and in particular Michael’s books. Reading was one of the things she could do that relaxed her”.
An unexpected phone call
As Sally explains: “I think I expected a card, a note to say he was thinking of us. But one day, when I was dealing with dozens of calls all about Caitlin and feeling very overwhelmed I answered a call, expecting it to be yet another admin call from someone official.
A man was on the phone who said, ‘Hello, is that Caitlin’s mum? I don’t know if you know me, my name’s Michael Morpurgo’. I was taken aback a bit but we went on to have a long chat. He asked about Caitlin, checked how Leah our other daughter was. I told him that Caitlin had lots of his books and that as a way of being closer to her I was reading one in her room every evening. As the call came to an end, he asked if he could send me a book and one for Leah.”
Words that helped shape a legacy
A few days later the books arrive and the book sent for Sally was Listen to the Moon, a World War One novel. As Sally describes: “I was reading the book and I was silently cursing him, going, why has he sent me this sad book? I’m literally on the floor sobbing. I’m sat in Caitlin’s room in absolute grief, but I’m determined I’m reading it in her bedroom. And then I got to the end of the book.”
She continues: “And there is this quote at the end ‘For without them, who would ever tell the story? And if our story lives on… so do we. So do those we remember’. That was like someone had smacked me around the face and gone, ‘come on then, now you know what you need to do’.”
Remembering Caitlin through fundraising
That moment, sat on her daughter’s bedroom floor, was the moment Sally decided to channel her grief into celebrating Caitlin’s life. The family still grieved the missed milestones, the GCSEs their bright girl will never take, Caitlin’s 18th birthday party… but now there was a purpose to the grief and in Caitlin’s memory Sally and her husband created 18 fundraisers for her 18th birthday in 2025. From duck races to bake offs and name the wolf (Caitlin’s favourite animal) to the culmination of the Big Blue Ball.
The Bird family and friends have raised a total of £29,260. Splitting the money between two charities, adding another £1,000 from a grant, the family have raised over £15,000 for Farms for City Children so far.
Sally reflects: “In a way it became a bit of therapy and helps us keep Caitlin spoken about and remembered in a positive way. It helped us keep her memory alive.
She continues: “Whilst she didn’t visit one of the farms I know she would have approved of what we have done. Caitlin loved to be in the outdoors and nature. She would have loved to have known that she has helped raise money so school kids can experience the outdoors and the calm it gives.”
Taking on the Wolf Run for Caitlin
The family and friends decided to celebrate Caitlin again this year, and once again raise money for Farms for City Children. They have signed up to complete The Wolf Run. Ten of them, many non-runners are deep in training for a tough-mudder style event in mid June. As Sally reflects: “She would have thought we were mad. She would have thought we were mad full stop last year with everything we did for her 18th. She’d be like, what on earth are you doing now mum? You’re running!”.
Sally’s story is one of extraordinary love, courage and determination. We feel deeply honoured that Caitlin’s memory has become part of the Farms for City Children story.
We send our heartfelt thanks to Sally, her family and friends and to every one of their supporters. Each challenge they took on, every cake baked, each event organised and each pound raised helps give more children the chance to connect with nature, discover their own strengths and make memories that stay with them for life.
Farms for City Children are hugely grateful to everyone who considers celebrating the life of someone special and honouring their memory by donating to Farms for City Children in their name. Whether through a funeral collection, a donation or through fundraising in their memory, you will be helping us ensure that even more children and young people can grow their skills and themselves during a week on our farms. You can find the different ways to make a donation in the Support Us section.
