S9E21: Writing With Purpose: Ali Harris on Losing Poppy at 23 Weeks

In this episode of The Worst Girl Gang Ever, we are joined by Ali Harris — bestselling author, mother, and now the writer of her most personal and powerful novel yet, This Wasn’t Meant to Happen.Ali shares her heartbreaking but inspiring journey through termination for medical reasons (TFMR) following a devastating Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18) diagnosis. She opens up about navigating grief, the silence around baby loss, and how writing became both a way to honour her daughter, Poppy, and a means of helping others feel less alone.We discuss: Ali’s personal story of loss, love, and resilience Why conversations around stillbirth, miscarriage, and TFMR are so often silenced The role of writing, creativity, and storytelling in processing grief How This Wasn’t Meant to Happen gives voice to the hidden experiences of parents who lose a baby The importance of community, connection, and changing how society talks about pregnancy lossAbout The Worst Girl Gang EverThe Worst Girl Gang Ever is a real, honest, and emotive podcast that covers the heartbreaking subject of miscarriage, infertility, and baby loss. Expect raw conversations about unspoken experiences, hosted by TWGGE founders Bex Gunn and Laura Buckingham. This show aims to break the silence and open dialogue around miscarriage and pregnancy loss. No more shame, no more taboo—let’s change the narrative for future generations.Support and Resources:Access The WarriorshipThe Warriorship is our free peer to peer membership platform, connecting you with others who ‘just get it’ through whats app groups, online drop in sessions, a book club, creative workshops and informative webinars. Join now and instantly connect with others who understand the challenges you face.⁠https://theworstgirlgangever.co.uk/membership/ ⁠Our bookWe are here to tell you that you are entitled to grieve, and that your grief is not disproportionate to your loss. We are here to open up the dialogue around miscarriage, so we don’t perpetuate the shame, judgement and isolation so many of us feel following pregnancy loss. We are here to equip you with knowledge, tools and guidance to support and help you in whatever way you need.⁠https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/0008524998/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&⁠This Wasn’t Meant to HappenPublished by One More Chapter and for release on 11th September 2025 (£9.99). Order on Amazon HERE.Sofie Jensen has always lived by logic ― calculating risk, staying in control, believing that if she did everything right, life would follow the rules. But nothing could prepare her for the unimaginable: the stillbirth of her baby boy.Now, grief carves a hollow space where joy once lived, and love ― so fierce, so fragile ― teeters on the edge. Nothing adds up anymore. Not the life she had. Not the future she imagined. Told with quiet strength and breathtaking honesty, This Wasn’t Meant to Happen is a searing but beautiful portrait of love, grief and the tender, complicated path back to hope. For anyone who has ever lost, longed, or held on when letting go felt impossible.You can read more about Ali’s personal experience of baby loss and her writing journey on her free Substack: aliharrisauthor.substack.com, and follow her on Instagram: @aliharriswriter.Ali will also be appearing at events across the UK to discuss her book and baby loss with fellow authors (more dates to come): Wednesday 10th September – In conversation with Cesca Major at Four Bears Bookshop, Reading → Event details Monday 15th September – With Jennie Agg (Life, Almost) at Serenity Booksellers, Romiley. Tickets £5 (or £9.99 including a copy of This Wasn’t Meant to Happen) → Book tickets Tuesday 16th September – With Milly Johnson at Wakefield Libraries (booking essential) → Book tickets Thursday 18th September – With Paige Toon at Oxford Library → Book ticketsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesWe are The Worst Girl Gang Ever Foundation. We’re all about bringing people together who are going through the tough stuff — baby loss, infertility, and everything in between — and making sure no one has to face it alone. Our community is full of honesty, compassion, and real talk, offering support, understanding, and hope when it’s needed most. You can find out more and connect with us over at www.theworstgirlgangever.co.uk