Family fundraising for new baby bereavement suite at York hospital
Donna Wallis has organised a charity ball next month
Last updated 11th Oct 2022
A new bereavement suite is finally being built at York hospital to provide more space for grieving families who've just lost their baby.
The project is back underway after being delayed by COVID. It'll also be soundproofed, have extra equipment and its own garden.
Donna Wallis from Thirsk lost her little girl Olivia in the Summer and is now raising money to help with the project. She says it will make a huge difference: "It has space in there for family to stay too. which is really important, there is also space in there for medical equipment so it can be both. One of the things we found is the bed wasn't fit for me to sleep on following a C section."
The new suite will also have a private garden where grieving families can go and reflect. Donna says that'll be a really positive addition: "We spent a couple of days in hospital with Olivia and those moments are really precious. One of those things, being able to go outside into a garden, which is private and concealed would be so lovely for families who have to go through this."
They have organised Olivia's Dream Charity Ball which is taking place on 19th November to help raise money for the suite.
More information about the event can be found here: Olivia's Charity Ball
Donna and her husband Matthew will be sharing Olivia's story at the black-tie event and hope to raise as much money as possible.
As well as a three course meal there will also be a raffle to win a diamond ring worth £5,500.
On the night, Kay Bradley, owner of Bradley’s Jewellers York, will also present a silver Twinkle Toes charm bracelet to every mother who has suffered baby loss, as a symbol of remembrance and hope.