Workington family raises money in support of baby loss
A Workington family, who lost their daughter Alice, are raising money for a special cot to help families grieve.
Alice Clara Ross was stillborn at West Cumberland Hospital on 21st June 2023, after her mum Lynsey noticed reduced foetal movements.
The family are now raising funds for a cooling cot. It is designed to maintain the right temperature so that families can spend more time with their baby after they have died
Alice's mum Lyndsey, who is a sister at the Intensive Care Unit at West Cumberland Hospital, and her husband Adrian wanted to help other people who find themselves in the heart-breaking position of losing their baby.
Lynsey said, “We wanted to give something back and help other people going through the same thing. After speaking to bereavement midwife Kerry Pape, we decided to raise funds for an Abi Cooling Cot.
"As well as the Abi Cooling Cot, we are buying a specialist Moses basket for the original Cuddle Cot to allow it to work more efficiently plus keepsakes for other families and looking at a new sofa bed for the Bluebell Suite.”
The Abi Cooling Cot will be permanently in the Bluebell Suite. Where, the original Cuddle Cot in the new Moses basket will be able to be moved between rooms and used to take a baby home if the family wishes.
In total the family raised £7780.55 through donations from the funeral and from a 10 mile walk from West Cumberland Hospital to Salterbeck cemetery where Alice is buried. The walk took place on her due date, 11th August, in the evening so the stars were shining as they walked.
Lynsey is also working with bereavement midwife Kerry Pape to set up a support group for families who have experienced baby loss.