A Halesowen accountancy firm has raised over £3,000 for a hospital charity’s baby bereavement campaign to improve the environment in which families spend time adjusting to the death of their baby.
Godfrey Mansell & Co have been active fundraisers for the Dudley Group NHS Charity’s campaign and raised the money by organising two charity speed quizzes where they gathered their clients, employees and families. Some of the firm’s staff members also took part in the charity’s superhero fun run at Himley Hall Park to raise funds for the cause.
The baby bereavement campaign began four years ago in 2018 to fund a much-needed bereavement suite within the maternity unit at Russells Hall Hospital. The bereavement suite enables families to spend precious time with their baby, in a soundproofed, private and homely space away from the standard day to day of the maternity unit.
In October 2019, following a number of significant donations and support from local families, businesses and staff members, this became a reality and the beautiful home from home suite was completed and ready for use.
The charity is now fundraising for a second ‘multipurpose’ suite within the unit alongside specialist equipment such as cold cots which are refrigerated cots that allow parents to spend more time with their deceased baby than would otherwise be possible. The donations kindly raised by Godfrey Mansell & Co will go towards this.
The Trust’s specialist bereavement midwife Holly Haden said: “The suite is making a massive difference. It provides families with a space that isn’t clinical, and soundproofing is so important to remove background noise.
“The room has ensuite, kitchenette facilities and a double bed, with partners being encouraged to stay. Families can use the suite for as long as they need to, which is why we want to create a second suite. We know that this space is invaluable to families from the feedback we receive.”
Graham, partner at Godfrey Mansell & Co, adds “Over the last couple of years we have had the privilege of an involvement with Holly and her team at the Russells Hall Hospital Baby Bereavement Unit. We cannot overestimate the commitment and dedication Holly and her colleagues show towards the success of the unit and we at GM&Co, for our small part, are really pleased to participate in the fundraising activities.”
To find out more about the campaign, please visit – Supporting the Dudley Group NHS Charity Baby Bereavement Campaign – JustGiving
