Since its inception in 2020, Michelle Topham's compassionate efforts have supported over 300 women experiencing the grief, and sadness, and loss of miscarriage or stillbirth with gifts of care and support.

This week, her unwavering dedication to providing solace in times of need earned her recognition through Seven Sharp’s ASB Good As Gold segment, which aired on Wednesday, June 12.

Being nominated for ASB Good As Gold came as a complete surprise for the Tauranga based mum of two. “It left me in a state of shock for several days afterwards. It’s humbling to receive this recognition for something that began as a very simple gesture of care," says Michelle.

Massage After Miscarriage Aotearoa (M.A.M.A) stands as a beacon of compassion, offering free massages and thoughtful gestures to women who miscarriage or still birth.

The process works through referrals from midwives. Michelle then coordinates gifts of massages, facials, flowers, or care packages which have been donated by generous local businesses.

"Going through a miscarriage at any stage can be a deeply emotional and lonely experience," says Michelle.

"But through the kindness of our donors, we provide a moment of respite amidst the pain, reminding these mothers that they are not alone."

The initiative, born out of Michelle’s own poignant experience of miscarriage, has rapidly grown thanks to social media and growing awareness of the cause.

As word-of-mouth about M.A.M.A. has grown around the country, her network of midwives and business donors has expanded to Auckland, Waikato, and as far afield as Queenstown.

As a recipient of the ASB Good As Gold award, Michelle will receive $10,000 from ASB Bank.

The funds couldn’t come at a better time.

This May, Massage After Miscarriage had its biggest month ever with 17 referrals in Tauranga alone. The numbers have begun to showcase the growing impact of Michelle's initiative in the community.

The nomination process was quietly orchestrated by friend and donor Karen Gemmell of Flowology Wellness and Michelle’s Aunty Ann.

The heartfelt cause of Michelle’s work and commitment was quick to capture the attention of ASB Good As Gold, but took five months to secretly plan.

A boutique fundraising event was put together and hosted by Mount Maunganui’s Sanctum Medi Spa, who have a long-standing partnership as the first business to ever contribute to M.A.M.A.

The event raised an additional $1,800 but more importantly, served as an opportune moment for Seven Sharp presenter Michael Holland and his camera crew to make a surprise entrance.

Michelle is busy preparing for increased interest in Massage for Miscarriage’s services as a result. Her next annual fundraising project, an Afternoon Tea held at Tauranga Girls' College will be held on June 29 at Tauranga Girls' College. Tickets are available at www.eventfinder.co.nz.

For more information on Massage After Miscarriage Aotearoa or to get involved, please visit www.massageaftermiscarriage.com.