On the 7th July, Team Hadley will be taking part in The Walk For Wards and walking 10k to raise money for The Benson Suite and Maternity Ward. We are so grateful for any donations towards this fantastic cause, or for anyone who wants to come and hike for Hadley with us. Xx Team Hadley Xx
♡ Our Story ♡
At 9.59pm on March 31st (Mother's Day) our beautiful daughter Hadley was born.
Earlier that day, like any soon-to-be parents, we had made the trip to the hospital filled with excitement that the time had finally come to meet our baby. And being five days overdue it had felt like a long wait!
However, within an hour of arriving and after having multiple scans by the midwife, doctor and consulant we realised our dreams of taking home our new baby girl were not going to come true. At some point during labour, for reasons we may never know, Hadley's heart had stopped beating.
Fortunately, the majority of people will never have to find out what happens in a hospital when a baby dies. But during our stay we were surrounded by so much love and kindness. The midwives went above and beyond to help us create so many special memories with Hadley; we were able to wash and dress her, a professional photographer took family photos of us, hand and footprints were made along with painted foot casts. We were given a special memory box with stories to read and teddies – one for us and one for Hadley to keep. One of the most important things both the hospital and the funeral directors had is a special cooling cot, meaning that parents are able to spend precious time with their babies and thanks to this we were even able to have Hadley spend a night at home with us. There is also The Benson Suite, a quiet suite away from the rest of the Labour Ward where bereaved parents can spend time with their new babies.
The Benson Suite and these other important resources are entirely funded through charity and the hospital's Stars Appeal. We want to help other families who find themselves in the same position as us and help to keep funding the amazing work that the team on the Maternity Ward do.
'Every year, thousands of local families experience the joy of the arrival of a new baby at Salisbury District Hospital. Tragically, for a few families, the hours or days after birth are the only time they will have with their babies. The Benson Suite provides a dedicated, private space for local families who sadly experience the death of a baby at Salisbury District Hospital. It will ensure the very short time these families are able to spend together is as precious, dignified and personal as possible.'
Donations can be made here: