Our beautiful twin boys, Michael & Gabriel were so excited to meet their baby brother Raphael (our third angel), due in early October.  

I went into labour a little early, so we packed our bags and drove to our local hospital (Southend), complete with car seat and 100 baby outfits. Whilst we were debating who he would look like, our midwife called for the doctor…and within minutes our world fell part. They could not find a heartbeat. We had lost our baby boy. It still hasn’t really sunk in. I’m not sure it ever will. 

We  were immediately taken into the ‘Butterfly Suite’, a comfortable and private bereavement room, staffed by specifically trained nurses with access to special equipment. Raphael was stillborn the following day, at 12noon on September 10. He was beautiful. The image of his daddy. We were able to cuddle him and say goodbye before he went to their chapel of rest. 

Thank you all so much for your messages of  support. Each and every note means so much to us. Raphael was only held for a moment but will be loved for a lifetime. Our perfect baby boy. Our son. 

Lots of people have asked what can do to help, which is why I set up this page for the Southend Hospital Maternity Bereavement Fund. The money will go towards maintaining the Butterfly Suite, training their incredible staff, upgrading equipment and funding their beautiful ‘memory boxes’ full of precious mementos of our angel babies. 

Unfortunately, in the UK, around 1 in every 250 pregnancies end in a stillbirth. It breaks my heart that more people will need that facility after us & the thought of helping others in Raphael’s memory gives us some comfort.