General News
15 August, 2025
A moving tribute to babies lost
MICHELLE and Tim McCranor have been riding the roller coast of grief since 2001 when their daughter Celeste was stillborn.
Like so many others, they had no idea what stillbirth was until it happened to them.
Michelle is extremely passionate about helping to reduce the stillbirth statistics so that other families don’t have to suffer the lifelong devastation that her family has.
And she intends to do this the only way she knows how – running and sharing her story.
In November last year Michelle set out to run 1,000 kilometres from Seacliff in Adelaide to Port Melbourne.
Her journey took in communities such as Meningie, Kingston, Mt Gambier, Portland and Warrnambool.
She raised over $100,000 for Stillbirth Foundation Australia to further support research and advocacy into preventable measures for stillbirth.
But just as important, she also created a great deal of awareness around stillbirth.
Through sharing her personal story, she shone a light on this tragedy and not only gave a voice to all the babies that were born sleeping, but provided a platform for other bereaved families to share their stories.
Unfortunately, the run ended at Warrnambool due to injury.
“Every step I took was for Celeste and every baby who never took a breath,” Michelle said.
“Stopping the run didn’t stop the work.”
Michelle and Tim have created a moving documentary titled ‘Her Name is Celeste.’
This film shares the heartbreaking and courageous story of their daughter’s stillbirth and Michelle’s mission to run from Adelaide to Port Melbourne.
This documentary blends lived experience, expert voices, and a passionate call for systemic change in how we acknowledge, talk about, and act on stillbirth in Australia – an issue that still claims six babies’ lives every day across the country.
“As with every best laid plan, Michelle and Tim experienced some challenges along their journey which led them to a unique relationship with Warrnambool and the community within,” co-founder of Wish Collective, Sarah Wallace said.
“Sadly, stillbirth is something that has, and continues to, affect so many families.”
Nine months after Michelle’s run, she will return to Warrnambool where her journey ended abruptly due to an ankle injury.
“Locals have the opportunity to view a special regional screening of Her Name is Celeste at the Capitol Cinema in Warrnambool next Wednesday, August 20 from 6pm.”
