Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Walk for little Lilly raises thousands for local charity
A brave Chapelhall couple are honouring the memory of their baby daughter by raising thousands of pounds for the local charity which has supported them and their family.
Amanda Carr and Laurie Bell lost Lilly when their newborn passed away just 18 minutes after her birth on March 25.
They were joined by 60 relatives, friends and colleagues in paying their respects to her by taking part in a 10km sponsored walk from her resting place at Coltswood cemetery in Coatbridge on Saturday.
Walkers were piped on their way as they set off through Airdrie and Coatbridge, walking to the finish line of the couple’s workplace at the Co-op distribution centre in Newhouse.
They have so far raised £2200 on their Just Giving page, and money is still coming in as the family smashed their original target in support of Coatbridge charity Baby Loss Retreat.
Amanda said: “We found out at 20 weeks Lilly had a problem called congenital diaphragmatic hernia. There never seemed any problem and although she was a bit small, she was growing and was active 24/7.
“I went into hospital to have her on March 25, and when she was born she was moving her hands and legs. She lived for 18 minutes and then passed away.
“Losing a child is the hardest thing in life. We go to Lilly’s grave every day and are dealing with it each day.”
Amanda and Laurie – along with children Lauren, 17, and 11-year-old Lewis – have been supported by Baby Loss Retreat, established by Shawhead couple Bryan and Julie Morrison after the loss of their baby daughter Erin in 2003.
The organisation provides counselling and support, and arranges for bereaved families to have short breaks at tranquil rural retreats to be able to spend much-needed time together.
Amanda said: “What they do is amazing g – we’re g going g away y through them later in the year, and it’s incredible for a couple to be able to have that time to yourselves to think and talk.
“I didn’t previously know about Baby Loss Retreat at all, but we were put in touch with them and they’ve been helping us since after Lilly’s funeral and have become great friends.
“Julie and Bryan are the loveliest couple and what they do for families is brilliant.”
Saturday ’ s walk was suggested by the couple’s Coop colleague, Willie Heggie.
Co- op provided water and refreshments, while bus operator Andy McLean provided free transport to the starting point in return for donations. The walkers were supported by a bucket collection with donations from passers-by.
Amanda said: “It went really well and we’re so grateful to Willie, Andy and everybody who made it a success – we’re going to make this an annual event to raise funds and awareness.
“It was emotional; but it was good to have all this support to remember Lilly, and to do this for Baby Loss Retreat.
“At first I thought if we raised £1000 or even £5000, that would be great, but we’ve raised much more and are still finalising our total.
“It’s phenomenal how people have helped in memory of our wee girl, g and it’s very y touching.” g