Regular readers will remember the Cuddle Cot appeal that we’ve reported on in the last month.
Islanders were asked to help raise £1,500 to donate a Cuddle Cot to St Mary’s Hospital to help grieving parents of babies who pass away. If you missed our previous articles, the Cuddle Cot has a cooling system that allows the family of the baby that has passed to stay with them for longer to say their goodbyes.
Started by Precious Moments
The campaign was originally launched by Lynzey Gibbs and her colleagues at Precious Moments and was helped in the last stages by another Islander who does a great deal for charity, Nikki Collinson. Nikki was able to make use of the text a donation service she runs for the Africa Children’s Development Trust, which really boosted the campaign.
On Friday 28th December, the first Cuddle Cot was presented to the maternity department at St Mary’s Hospital.
Support from supplier
The supplier of the Cuddle Cot, Flexmort, was a great help, Nikki told us. They made special arrangements in order to support the campaign, by not only providing a discount on the Cuddle Cot, but also kept one back especially for St Mary’s from a large order that was heading to Ireland (where the Cuddle Cots are standard equipment in all maternity units).
This piece of equipment will no doubt make a huge difference to those parents who unfortunately lose their babies and would not have been possible without the determination of the fundraisers and those who contributed.
Podcasts give more background
Whilst at the presentation, we chatted to both Nikki and Lynzey, as well Danielle (a midwife at the unit) and Ann Hinton from the Still Birth and Neonatal Death Society.
Listen to our chat with Nikki, who explains more about how the appeal worked and what it has meant for those who have lost before.
We also talked with Lynzey from Precious Moments. She explains the importance of the Cuddle Cot to those who lose their babies and amongst other things, how it will give them the choice to be able to take their baby home with them, so other family members can also say goodbye.
Danielle, the midwife at St Mary’s who heads up the bereavement unit, explained the benefits of the Cuddle Cot and how it will complement the service they can offer.
Finally, we also spoke with Ann Hinton, the Island coordinator for the Still Birth and Neonatal Death Society (SANDS). She explains the support that is available by the national charity to parents who have lost their babies.
Thanks to all for taking the time to talk with us, so we can share this news with On The Wight readers.
