Families who have been through the loss of a baby are now fundraising to develop a bereavement suite to help other couples in the future.
Verity Gamble was 40 weeks and two days into her pregnancy when she received the devastating news that her baby, Summer Ashley, had passed away.
Following a caesarian, Verity, her husband Ashley, daughter Gracie were able to spend some precious days with Summer in The Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
The hospital is now creating a £185,500 bereavement suite to give families a dedicated space and time to grieve with their baby.
Verity has organised an Afternoon Tea in Knight’s Hill Hotel on Saturday, 3 August, from 2pm to 5pm to support this project. Tickets cost £30.
She said: “We were able to spend time with Summer in a room in the Waterlily Unit, which was really special.
“That time is special as it is the only chance you are going to have with your baby so it’s a chance to make memories.
“Members of our family came to see us and Gracie came into to meet her as well. We took photographs of them together. Gracie may not remember when she is older but she will know that she has a little sister.
“We wanted to do something to help create a nice room for the families who find themselves in a similar position to make memories.”
The hospital has developed plans to create a new bereavement suite, which will provide a homely environment for families to spend time with their baby.
The suite will be accessed via the main corridor.
It is hoped that the new suite will be in place by the end of the year to replace the existing arrangement where families are cared for on Waterlily Birth Unit.
Acting Chief Nurse Val Newton said: “We are really grateful to Verity for organising this event to help raise money for our bereavement suite, which will make a big difference to families who are going through a really difficult situation.
“Plans have been developed to create a dedicated area to make sure that families have the space and time to grieve. Our Bereavement Specialist Midwife is also available to support the family as much as possible.
“This is an important time for families so it is crucial to us that we are able to offer the right help.”
Tickets are available from www.eternal-summer.co.uk or call 07748808839.
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Pictured are Verity Gamble and daughter Gracie
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