Charity unveils Â£40k suite for families who have lost a baby at Bassetlaw Hospital

The Joel charity officially unveils the modifications to the bereavement family suite at Bassetlaw Hospital after raising funds to carry out the work. Founders Matthew and Emma Pearson, right with members of the committee Picture: Sarah Washbourn

The fundraising drive was led by charity JOEL: The Complete Package, which offers support to families in the district facing the trauma of baby loss.

Founders Emma and Matthew Pearson launched the charity after their twin babies Noel and James were stillborn.

Emma said: “The staff at Bassetlaw Hospital were incredible in helping us get through the difficult days after our sons were born asleep and we decided we wanted to give something back.

“We have been really overwhelmed with the support for this project by the Bassetlaw community, and we are excited that others will now be able to benefit from the fundraising efforts. I hope that the room will provide many families in the area much comfort.”

The family suite is fully equipped for healthy babies to be born in, but hospital staff say priority will be given to any families who have lost a little one.

It features a cuddle cot that “rainbow” babies can be placed in, along with a LED box which displays soothing images.

Tiny “angel gowns” are also provided by the charity for rainbow babies to be dressed in, made by volunteer seamstresses from donated wedding dresses.

Karen Cousins, lead midwife at Bassetlaw Hospital, said: “Losing a baby is heartbreaking and having a dedicated family space can make such a big difference to families during this painful time.”

Rachel Hodges, JOEL commitee member and Emma’s close friend, said: ““This is just a building block in a bright future for JOEL as we continue to grow and ensure every baby is acknowledged.

“Our next step is to work on extra help families need on the back of the suite, such as special care packs and counselling.

“Most of us at JOEL have lost babies ourselves and feel we are able to give the best support possible to those going through the same heartbreaking time.

“We couldn’t be prouder of our family suite, which was made a possibility thanks to the genorosity of residents, businesses and charities not all over the district and beyond.”

Future fundraisng events for JOEl include “A Night at the Races” at Worksop Town Hall on September 24 and a JOEL Open Day at The Golden Ball on October 22.

For more information visit http://www.joelthecompletepackage.co.uk or www.facebook.com/Joelthecompletepackage.