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A charity that helps bereaved parents following the loss of a baby is raising money to provide a Cuddle Cot, which would allow couples to take their baby home to grieve and bond in private.
Jo Nash, the founder of Philip’s Footprints, says the CuddleCot will give bereaved parents more time to spend with their baby.
Ms Nash founded Philip’s Footprints in 2008 with her husband Paul, after the sad loss of their second-born, Philip. She said: “Dealing with the death of a baby is an incredibly difficult event for parents. The Maternity Unit currently has a ‘cool cot’, which has done a good job but is now dated.
"The new CuddleCot system can be used with a specially adapted moses basket and also provides an optimum temperature, allowing parents the time they need with their baby, making memories and beginning to process their devastating loss.”
The new Cuddle Cot is described as an improvement on the existing ‘cool cot', which is clinical in appearance. It also gives the family time to form an important bond with their baby, whether it is changing a nappy, dressing the baby, taking photographs or simply just staying close. It is believed this helps families in dealing with their loss.
Philip's Footprints, which marked its 10th anniversary by fundraising for two wireless foetal monitors for Jersey’s Maternity Unit, will be organising fundraisers throughout October to raise £1,800 for the ‘CuddleCot.'
Mrs Nash explained: “To get involved with the fundraiser you can purchase a registration in our online shop and send evidence of your runs/walks and we will post out your medal. Or, to earn a free medal, just set up your own page at Justgiving Philipsfootprints, ‘event’ and click on the 10k Virtual Fundraiser and raise over £50 for Philip’s Footprints.”
Pictured: Jonny Labey recently presented a baby monitor to Akin Famoriyo, Clinical Lead for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jersey Maternity and Julie Mycock, Head of Midwifery, Jersey Maternity, with Jo Nash (second left). The soap star and the Baby Bean Appeal helped raise the funds. (Philip's Footprints)
The fundraiser will start as Baby Loss Awareness Week takes place in the UK, between 9 and 15 October. For the past three years, Philip's Footprints has held a 10k Starlight Walk.
This year it will take place on Saturday 13 October, leaving from Castle Kiosk, next to Le Fregate, at 19:00. The course will take participants all the way to St. Aubin and back. Everyone is welcome to take part and registrations can be made on the charity’s Facebook event.
Islanders can also turn up and make a donation on the night. All walkers will receive a medal.
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