Parents of stillborn babies across Forth Valley are set to benefit from the kindness of a Mum who lost her little boy earlier this year at 33 weeks. Louise Jeffrey from Grangemouth has raised £1500 over the past few months to buy a refrigerated Cuddle Cot so that bereaved families can take their stillborn baby home and spend some time with them.

Louise had had a normal pregnancy until 3lb 6 ozs Cole stopped moving. After he was born, Louise and her husband Alex took Cole home for four days to meet the rest of the family – sisters Morgan and Abbie, and brother Lewis.

Whilst the couple understand it’s not for everyone, Louise explained it meant the world to her and her family.  She said: “We were able to take photographs which we will always treasure.”

Cole was born in February 2016 and the Jeffreys say the cooler months made it possible for them to spend time with their tiny baby.  But they wanted to give other parents the same opportunity at any time of year so have raised £1500 for the cot.

NHS Forth Valley Senior Bereavement Adviser Catriona Addison said “We are so grateful to Louise, her husband and family to have done this at such a distressing time for them. The fact that they have presented this gift to help others is so kind of them. We have always had a Cuddle Cot in the hospital but it has had to remain with us. This new cot will allow other parents to spend precious time with their stillborn babies at home.”

Louise’s family are also preparing to present a £4,000 cheque to Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity. Much of the money was raised by Louise’s mother and matched by the bank she works for. Louise has also helped fundraise, holding a Butler in the Buff night at her local pub.

The Sands charity supports NHS Forth Valley by providing memory boxes and photo cards for bereaved Mums and Dads, and study days for staff.

CAPTION (left to right) NHS Forth Valley Senior Bereavement Adviser Catriona Addison, Bereavement Adviser Alana Harrower, Alex Jeffrey and Louise Jeffrey.

 Issued by NHS Forth Valley’s Communications Department – 01786 456264.