Cumbrian families raise funds for hospital maternity unit

The money is intended to improve the bereavement suite, as well as facilities at the West Cumberland Hospital's maternity unit.

The aim is to support families who have experienced the loss of a baby, ensuring they have both privacy and support.

The Bluebell suite, a bereavement suite for families who have experienced the loss of a baby (Image: Supplied) Lynsey Ross, who tragically lost her baby Alice Clara Ross, stillborn on June 21, 2023, weighing 4lbs 1oz, explained the importance of their fundraising efforts.

She said: "After what we experienced losing Alice, it was really important that we would try and support any other families who were experiencing such a devastating loss in any way we could.

"Our initial aim was to raise funds for a new cooling cot, which we were thrilled to achieve.

"We then decided to keep on going and improve the facilities in the Bluebell suite, a place which had been such a safe haven for me and my family when we really needed it.

"It was here we were able to spend time with Alice making precious memories with her."

The family has also donated a portable Moses basket, a new sofa bed, cushions, and are currently donating a small speaker and coffee machine.

(L to R) Lynsey Ross, and her friend Kathryn, funded and made memory boxes for bereaved siblings affected by baby loss (Image: Supplied) Along with her friend Kathryn, who tragically lost her baby Mollie in January 2020, Ms Ross has also funded and made memory boxes for bereaved siblings affected by baby loss.

Ms Ross said: "We are proud of the difference Alice is making to help other families going through the heartbreak of baby loss.

"Alice is at the heart of everything we do."

Another family, led by Danni Hillier, who also suffered the loss of a baby, has been raising funds for the unit.

Ms Hillier, her family and friends, ran the Great North Run to raise money which was used to provide new light projectors for a delivery room for families experiencing the loss of a baby.

She said: "I started raising funds after I had used the Bluebell suite in September 2023.

"My experience, though so heartbreaking, was made so special.

"The team took such good care of us, helping us capture such special moments with our baby boy that I will treasure forever."

Jo McNabb, matron for maternity services at NCIC, said: "With the funds we have received we have been able to transform one of the delivery rooms, adding a new mural and light boxes, which creates such a lovely tranquil atmosphere and something that was lacking before.

"We really appreciate that families choose to raise money for our bereavement fund and think of others and service improvement in their darkest hour."

Kerry Pape, specialist bereavement midwife at NCIC, said: "Losing a baby is one of the hardest things families can ever go through, the fact that these families are able to think of giving back during such a difficult time is astounding and we are so grateful that we are continually able to improve the facilities we offer because of their continued kindness.

"We’d like to thank each and every person who donates to the unit, it really does make such a difference."

To learn more about North Cumbria Hospitals NHS Charity, donate, or raise funds, visit their charity page at ncic.nhs.uk.