Family thanks community after thousands of pounds were raised in memory of their son who lived for just 25 days
A MOUNTAIN Ash family has thanked the community for helping to raise more than £8,000 in memory of their son, who lived for just 25 days.
Rebecca Walker, 38, gave birth to Oliver – weighing 2lb 3oz – on June 14, 2015, after 26 weeks and three days of pregnancy, having been due last September.
Oliver was being cared for at the St Helier Hospital in Carshalton, 270 miles from South Wales, after Rebecca gave birth while on holiday in Wimbledon.
Her son tragically died in hospital on July 8 last year.
The Darren Las family, which includes Rebecca’s husband Jeff, 46, and daughter Isabel, nine, run Cwmbach civil engineering business Hammond ECS Ltd.
Rebecca said she wanted to do something to keep Oliver’s memory alive and friends and family wanted to do their bit to help.
Various fundraising events followed and the community has helped raise £8,550 for a new machine for the hospital where Oliver was cared for.
Rebecca said: “On June 12, we visited my grandfather, who lives in Wimbledon, for the weekend.
“In the early hours on June 14, I became unwell and contacted a local hospital to be checked out.
“Within an hour, I was in labour and just about made it to the hospital and Oliver was born.
“I remained in hospital for over a week and Jeff was allowed the stay with me.
“The plan was once Oliver was stable, he would be transferred to Heath in Cardiff, as it was easier to be nearer home with family support.
“The neonatal unit became home for the next few weeks – the staff were outstanding.
“They understood we weren’t locals and made sure that we had everything we needed, they gave emotional support when we needed it and ensured Oliver had the best of care.
“Due to Oliver’s prematurity, his condition deteriorated – he developed Grade 3 and 4 Intraventricular Haemorrhage as well as other complications.
“Oliver passed peacefully in my with Jeff by my side.”
On returning home to the Cynon Valley, friends and family decided to away arms raise money for the neonatal unit.
Within a few days, £1,000 was donated to an online fundraising page set up by the family.
Rebecca added: “We want to keep Oliver’s memory alive and the fundraising allows us to do so.
“The hospital was amazed at people’s generosity and asked if they could allocate our funds to a new machine they’ve wanted to buy.
“The machine is a brain monitor which allows continual monitoring of brain activity.
“Oliver had loads of brain scans trying to determine any changes – this machine helps in monitoring activity.
“The machine cost is £12,000 and the unit was
‘As a family, we would like to thank all those who’ve helped us raise the money and continue to support us’ Oliver’s mum Rebecca Walker