In memory of Millie

STAFF at a midwifery and ultrasound clinic in Shepshed swapped modern technology for 1950s tools in a Call the Midwife calendar photo shoot to raise funds and awareness for three charities in memory of a baby who died from cot death.

Miracle in Progress, in Hall Croft, originally chose to donate proceeds to Kicks Count - a charity which aims to lower stillbirth and neonatal death rate by raising awareness of baby’s movements in pregnancy.

However the decision was made to also support stillbirth and neonatal death charity Sands and Remember My Baby, which offers a gift of baby remembrance photography, after Millie Mariah Brear, who features in the calendar, passed away from sudden infant death syndrome in March 2017.

Millie’s mum Chloe, from Derbyshire, said: “We feel very lucky that Millie had the opportunity to take part in the photo shoot, a precious memory that we will forever cherish.

“I first saw the post on Facebook that baby models were needed for a charity shoot.

“I took Millie along hoping that she could help out in one way or another. We had a lovely morning, not knowing that in a few weeks time our whole world was about to be ripped apart and we would be cherishing these memories more than ever.

“Our hearts are forever broken and our arms are empty.

“We have decided to still go ahead and allow Millie’s pictures to be used for the calendar as its for a good cause and if we can raise awareness then we will.

“And also because her little face is too perfect not to.”

Jo Proud, midwife and director of Miracle in Progress, says last year’s Calendar Girls calender has been sold globally and is still selling now.

She says it has raised thousands of pounds for the 2016 chosen charity, the Down’s Syndrome Association, and she hopes this year’s shoot can raise more than £5,000 for the chosen causes.

Jo told the Echo: “Calendar Girls did really well, we’ve had orders from Australia, America, all over the place, so we hope this does as well.

“We all love Call the Midwife, it’s very real and how it should be.

“We contacted Rockingham Castle and they allowed us to use their facilities there as it was for charity.

“I’d like to think we could raise £5,000 plus.”

Jo features in the calendar, which was photographed by Julie Moult, alongside husband Nathan, Laura Pearson, Katie Adams, Sarah Brookes and Sarah Allsop.

It is available to purchase at miracleinprogress.bigcartel.com

Staff at Miracle in Progress, in Hall Croft, Shepshed, swapped modern technology for 1950s tools in a Call the Midwife calendar photo shoot. Image courtesy of Jules Photography.

Pictured are staff at Miracle in Progress in the Call the Midwife shoot. Image courtesy of Jules Photography.

Pictured, left, is Jo Proud, midwife and director of Miracle in Progress, in the Call the Midwife shoot. Image courtesy of Jules Photography.

Pictured are staff at Miracle in Progress in the Call the Midwife shoot. Image courtesy of Jules Photography.

Pictured is Millie Mariah Brear. Image courtesy of Jules Photography.