A Fallin couple whose baby girl was stillborn at 38 weeks have raised more than £2,500 in total to help other parents who face similar heartbreak.

Ian and Gayle McMeechan raised the funds in memory of their baby girl, Katie Gayle McMeechan, for the child bereavement fund at Forth Valley Royal Hospital.

Some of the money which was donated at Katie’s funeral (instead of flowers) has been used to purchase a new bed so partners and family can spend more time with their baby before finally saying goodbye.   The new bed, which is in a specially designated room, will also have a plaque ‘in loving memory of Katie’.

Katie’s mum also organised a sponsored walk with 22 family and friends who walked 10 miles from Fallin to Stirling University and back, raising a massive £2350.  They have also donated Moses baskets, cot sheets and nappies to the Unit.

The couple were spurred on to start fundraising as they wanted to give something back to the Unit and help other parents who may experience something similar. They also wanted something to remember Katie by.

Gayle, who is now 16 weeks pregnant, said:  “We can’t thank the maternity staff enough; we will never be able to thank them all enough. The support we received from Anne and her team when we were in the ward ourselves was amazing.   They were there when we needed them. The way the midwives treated Katie as well was just amazing. Nothing was impossible and it really makes you realise how special they are and what a fantastic job they do.”

“I’m just glad we can help a little. We never imagined we would raise so much and would also like to thank families and friends for their support” added Ian and Gayle.

There are plans to continue raising money in memory of Katie and Dad Ian plans to cycle from London to Paris next year.

The couple are pictured handing over the cheque to NHS Forth Valley Senior Sister Anne Begg (right) with Sister Elinor Hughes from the Labour Ward at Forth Valley Royal Hospital.