‘CuddleCot’ to help grieving parents
An Oban woman who lost her three-year-old baby almost 30 years ago has presented Lorn and Islands Hospital with a ‘CuddleCot’ so grieving parents can say a ‘proper goodbye’.
Frances Goodwin lost her daughter, Yvonne Elizabeth Prosser-Maxwell, in 1989 to meningococcal septicaemia. And in 2016 she started fundraising to purchase a CuddleCot.
Frances said: ‘A CuddleCot keeps the baby cool, so that parents can spend time with their baby after they have passed away. It gives parents time to say a proper goodbye.’
While the hospital has had the device for some time, Frances was unable to officially present the cot due to poor health until last Friday.
‘These CuddleCots cost £1,600,’ she added. ‘I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to the people of Oban who generously gave to the funding for this device. I do so appreciate it.’
In 2013, Frances joined an online support group called Angel Wings, which was founded by Michaela Street.
‘She herself suffered many losses,’ Frances said. ‘Here I found comfort and support.
‘Forever Dressed in Love is the part of Angel Wings that make little outfits made from wedding dresses and go in “forever packs” which are sent to parents who suffer loss and have little keepsakes.’
Frances also thanked Miranda Gordon and her little baby Cara, who ‘did a fantastic job of fundraising in her lovely baby’s name’; Pauline McCuish, who donated a brand new moses basket in memory of her grandson Darren; and Chris McCulloch, who donated little crochet blankets in memory of her baby Martin.
Frances said: ‘Thanks again to all of you people of Oban. It is very much appreciated.’