We were fortunate at Northamptonshire Health Charity to recently meet Zoe Quail and partner Richard, inspirational parents to Christopher who was born prematurely at 19 weeks, gaining his angel wings earlier this year at Kettering General Hospital.
In Christopher’s memory they have raised £3,437.50 including gift aid towards the Twinkling Stars Appeal to develop a new bereavement suite – adjacent to the Delivery Suite but entirely separate from it – where families who have suffered a loss can get quiet, compassionate and supportive care and spend time with their loved one.
Zoe was admitted into hospital as an emergency: - not having time to think about an overnight bag, basic toiletries etc, the priority being getting to hospital quickly.
As a result of her experience, Zoe’s sister Nicole came up with the idea of a Facebook page ‘Christopher’s Care Packages’ to create small wash bags filled with the essentials needed for women arriving into hospital as an emergency or unexpectedly.
Donations from friends, family and community flooded in as well as people being able to purchase from an Amazon Wish list.
So far, they have donated an incredible 100 wash bags and Lisa, Carolyn and Melissa from the Maternity Bereavement team were thrilled to accept these on behalf of the hospital.
“Despite the loss of their precious son Christopher, Zoe and Richard’s first thought was for others and they threw themselves into raising money for the Twinkling Stars Appeal.
Their selfless reaction has amazed us all; their courage is beyond words.
They have gone on to produce these beautiful care bags in Christopher’s name, the elephant logo symbolising never forgetting him and his short time with us.
None of us will forget this amazing couple and their devoted family that have given so much to others while recovering from the loss of their Son, Nephew and Grandson.
A huge thank you from all of us in Maternity.
“ Melissa Zoe and Richard along with the support of Nicole and family, have pledged to make more of the care packages and support the Twinkling Stars Appeal.
If you have been inspired by their amazing story, you will find more on our Appeal and details on how to fundraise and get involved by visiting https://northamptonshirehealthcharity.co.uk/appeals/twinkling-stars-appeal/