Hugo and Lily were born on 19^th October 2019.  They were much wanted and much loved siblings for our five year old daughter who was so excited about being a big sister.  The pregnancy had been a good one and the scan results were positive, showing both babies to be a good weight.  On Thursday 17^th October, following some bleeding we went to a local hospital for observation.  Two days later Hugo and Lily were born at 23 weeks gestation, but devastatingly weren’t strong enough to stay with us. 

Following the death of Hugo and Lily, we didn’t know how much time we would be able to spend with them and we presumed we would have to leave the hospital without them.  It was a great comfort to us when the hospital said we were able to take Hugo and Lily home with us until their funeral, which would be a few days later.  During this time we were able to really bond with our babies.  We were able to wash and dress them, kiss them, hold them and take photos of them.  It also meant that family and close friends were able to meet with and hold our babies which they wouldn’t have otherwise been able to do.  We were given this precious time with Hugo and Lily, because the hospital were able to provide us with a Cuddle Cot.      

A cuddle cot is a cooling mattress that slows the deterioration process of a dead baby’s body, and this mattress can be placed in a cot or pram.  We are hoping to raise enough money to donate a cuddle cot in memory of Hugo & Lily.  By helping us to raise this money, you are giving bereaved families the gift of time with their babies and the ability to create precious memories. 

As part of our fundraising, we will be taking part in the Birmingham Run alongside family and friends.  Some will run the 5k, others the 10k and others even the half marathon.  We have varying fitness and running ability levels, so the event is a big test for all of us!

If we are blessed enough to raise in excess of our target we will donate the additional money to The Lily Mae Foundation.  This is a wonderful charity that raises money in order to provide much needed support to parents and families who have lost a baby to Stillbirth or Neonatal Death.  The foundation provided us with memory boxes when Hugo & Lily died.  The boxes contained items to help us start creating memories, to collect precious items and to have something beautiful to look back on.  In addition to the memory boxes the foundation are providing me with ongoing bereavement support as I try to live without our babies.  Please visit The Lily Mae Foundation website for more information on baby loss and the vital work the charity does -  www.lilymaefoundation.org

Thank you,

Jen & Steve.