Parents’ £16k to remember George

ASOUTHPORT mum and dad have raised £16,000 in memory of their baby boy who died at just six-days-old from a rare chromosomal condition.

Danielle and David Burt’s hearts were broken after George was taken from them by Patau Syndrome in November of last year.

Danielle, a community nurse, said she “didn’t have a clue” about Patau Syndrome, and now her and husband David, a train guard, want to make other families aware of it.

In his final moments, George was surrounded by a loving team of nurses at Claire House Children’s Hospice in Wirral, who continue to support his devoted parents as they try to come to terms with his premature death.

The hospice, which provides specialist nursing and emotional care to help families smile again, has a daily running cost of £6,500.

Danielle and David set out to raise this amount for the hospice, so that George could have a Claire House day dedicated to his memory. But they’ve now raised more than double the target figure.

Danielle said: “We are just so overwhelmed with how generous people have been. There has been been a racing night, quiz night, sponsored runs and mountain climbs; people have given up smoking, drinking and so much more.

“November 6 will be what would have been George’s first birthday, and we’re thrilled to be able to have a Claire House day to commemorate that.”

As part of the day, Danielle and David will spend the day at the hospice with other families and children, and a certificate will be put up to say that the day was funded in memory of George David Burt.

George’s parents will then receive a letter about what happened on the day, which Danielle will then share with everyone who helped to raise the funds.

Carers from Claire House attended George’s funeral and continue to provide ongoing support, as well as help with fundraising events.

Danielle continued: “We’re hosting a charity ball on November 12, a year since George died.

“We’re so passionate about getting the word out about Claire House. A lot of people are aware of the centre but don’t know the half of what they do.

“They look after children with terminal and life limiting conditions, making sure they have the best quality of life.

“But it isn’t all about dying; I want people to be made aware of the service they provide. Even now I attend Claire House for bereavement counselling.

“I now want to make people aware of Patau Syndrome and raise as much money for Claire House as possible. And it’s all in memory of George.”

Danielle and David will use money from the funds raised to have a second day for George on what would have been his birthday next year, and are hoping that after the charity ball they will have enough to do the same for a third year.

She added: “George was our baby. We don’t want anyone to forget him.”

To make a donation go to: www.justgiving.com/teams/georgeburt