£1,000 RAISED TO GIVE RIVER BABY A FUNERAL
MORE than £1,000 has already been raised in our appeal to give tragic baby Sion a funeral. The appeal was launched after the body of a baby boy, named Sion by the police, was found in the River Taff in Cardiff a year ago.
Twelve months on, the inquest into little Sion’s death has been carried out and his body is being released for burial. But, with no family to speak of, he faces a public health funeral.
That led to us launching a GoFundMe appeal – a funeral, flowers and memorial headstone would cost around £600, and any extra money raised will be donated to the Sands stillbirth and neonatal charity in Sion’s memory. And just 24 hours after the appeal was first launched on Friday afternoon, funds raised had reached £1,015.
“We’re humbled by the generosity shown by everyone who moved so quickly to ensure baby Sion will be given the goodbye he deserves,” WalesOnline editor Paul Rowland said.
“This is a story that has touched the hearts of everyone at WalesOnline, and, as the amazing response from the public shows, it’s clearly moved many others too.
“Without the donations received during this campaign, baby Sion would have been buried without a service, flowers or a headstone.
“While baby Sion’s short life of course remains a heartbreaking tragedy, at least he will now be given the type of goodbye that no child should have to do without.”
Donors made their feelings clear on our GoFundMe page.
Tara Louise Beverstock said: “Thinking of poor wee baby Sion. Hope you RIP little one. Hope your mum is getting the help she needs.”
Yvonne Hill wrote: “Rest in Peace little one.” And Pat Yeomans said: “Good night sweetheart. God bless.”
Our appeal was supported by Cardiff council and South Wales Police.
Police left no stone unturned in their attempts to trace Sion’s mother.
Detective Inspector Mark O’Shea said previously: “Since finding baby Sion our primary focus has always been to locate baby Sion’s mother and provide her with the emotional support she may need.
“In time Sion’s mother, father, or another family member may want to visit his grave and this appeal not only gives them that opportunity but also shows how much the people of Cardiff care.
“We understand that Sion’s mother has been through a traumatic time and once again would like to reassure her that we have professionals in place with specialist skills and who can provide support, if and when she is ready.”
A funeral date has not yet been set, but we will work with the police and council and provide details when we get them.
To donate visit: www.gofundme. com/287tr9r8.
Anyone with any information about Sion should call South Wales Police on 101 or the midwifery team at University Hospital Wales on 029 2074 2679. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be reached anonymously on 0800 555111. Quote reference *224381.