Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Giving back in memory of their baby boy
A kind-hearted Greengairs couple handed over some early Christmas presents at Wishaw General.
Jamie and Stefanie Millar donated a “cold cot” and comfort packs to the maternity and neonatal team in memory of their baby boy, Brodie.
The parents sadly lost Brodie, who was born prematurely at just 23 weeks and five days, in the neonatal unit back in April.
Jamie told the Advertiser: “We benefited from having the use of a cold cot when Brodie passed.
“We were so grateful, we decided that we wanted to buy another one for parents who find themselves in the same situation.
“These cots enable families to spend more time with their baby. The cold cot will be a lasting tribute to Brodie.
“It has a plaque bearing his name and displays the dates of his brief time with us.”
The caring couple set out to raise £5000, but smashed this target by almost another £1000 thanks to the generosity of individuals and businesses donating money and prizes that the couple could raffle.
The extra funds were shared with charities and to buy comfort packs, containing toiletries, which will be used in the bereavement suite as well as the neonatal unit
Stefanie told us: “I’d like to thank all our family, friends and local businesses who supported us and donated prizes to allow us to raise this money.
“I’d especially like to thank my friend Rebecca who set up a Justgiving page and helped organise the raffle.
“We were overwhelmed with just how much money we managed to raise and at the generosity of everyone who gave us their time, support and money.”
Stefanie added: “The neonatal staff were amazing when Brodie was in the unit.
“They were not only great with Brodie, they were great with us too. They helped lift our spirits and they would always be willing to do anything to help.
“When Brodie passed, three of the staff came to his funeral. After his funeral, we decided we wanted to give back. While we didn’t have Brodie, we were so thankful for everything the staff did for us and Brodie.
“Sadly, he was just born too early.
“We will continue to mark Christmases and birthdays by donating gifts to children’s charities.
“While we’ll not get to share these milestones with Brodie, another child will benefit and we take comfort from this.”
Vicky Grove, bereavement specialist midwife, said: “The maternity service here at University Hospital Wishaw are so grateful to Stefanie and Jamie for thinking of us and other families at this sad time.
“By donating the cold cot in Brodie’s name, many other families suffering from a loss will also get the benefit of spending time with their baby, and this brings great comfort.
“The staff were privileged to care for Brodie and his parents, and he will always be remembered.”