Kentish Express Ashford & District
Tragic Rose leaves enduring legacy for neonatal unit
A couple who lost their baby have raised money to buy a cold cot for the William Harvey Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Laura and Rob Starley lost their daughter, Rose, who was stillborn, in January this year.
The couple have raised £3,7000 for stillborn and neonatal death charity Sands by participating in the South Coast Challenge as well as hosting a cake sale.
Part of the money will be used to purchase a cold cot, also known as a Cuddle Cot, which is a device that helps preserve a baby’s body for a period, allowing the family to say goodbye at home or after a longer period following a neonatal death.
Mr and Mrs Starley, along with a representative from Sands presented the cot to the NICU unit on Tuesday, September 12.
Mrs Starley said: “It’s really beneficial for families to spend time with their babies.
“When Rose died we didn’t have the option, so we wanted to put the money towards the cot as it gives them more time.”
Melanie Mears, a neonatal bereavement lead nurse at the William Harvey, said: “We would like to say a massive thank you to Laura, Rob and all at East Kent Sands for all their fundraising efforts.
“The donation of the Cuddle Cot is already making such a difference and has allowed bereaved parents and families to spend more time with their babies.
“When the loss of the future you had hoped for is snatched away, this time is so precious.
“To give so much when you have suffered your own pain and heartache is incredible and a really fitting tribute to their own baby’s memory.
“We cannot thank them enough.”