Brave couple helping others at perinatal unit
A kind-hearted Blantyre couple have made a massive donation to the perinatal unit at University Hospital Wishaw because of the care they received there when they lost their stillborn son.
Nicolle Aitken and Steven Bilton donated £250, a cold cot and three bags of baby clothes as a thank you for the care delivered by staff when the couple sadly lost their stillborn baby son, Luke, on August 18, 2023.
The couple raised an amazing £5,000 through a dedicated Gofundme page and charity night, which was held at Tannochside Miners’ Welfare Club on November 18 last year.
Nicolle and her partner Steven were appreciative of the level of care and support they received during their time at the hospital.
Nicolle said: “My family and I would like to thank everyone in the perinatal service at University Hospital Wishaw for the phenomenal care and support they provided to both myself and Steven when we sadly lost our baby son Luke.
“The care we received was exceptional.
“I’d also like to thank everyone who attended the charity night for the incredibly generous donations which will go towards helping other parents who have lost a baby.”
The cold cot donated by the family is a refrigerated cot that will allow parents whose baby has died to spend more time with them than would otherwise be possible. The cold cot will help parents bond with their baby and aid the grieving process.
Julie Ann Tierney, bereavement specialist midwife, University Hospital Wishaw, was thankful for Nicolle and Steven’s generous donation and their fundraising efforts.
She said: “Our perinatal service is very grateful for any donations we receive. We are always overwhelmed by the generosity of families who give back after they have experienced the loss of a baby.
“The donations we receive for the Ohana Suite are monumental for our service, as these donations ensure that families in future will continue to get the opportunity of spending time with their baby and create life-long memories in a dedicated area tailored to their needs.”
The staff at the hospital have a variety of services for bereaved parents following the loss of their child.
These include a spiritual care and wellbeing team, a book of remembrance and an annual memorial service. A bereavement specialist midwife will also provide ongoing support throughout the first year following the loss of a baby.
You can also get support from the Sands charity by emailing lanarkshire@ sands.org.uk