Families grieving the death of a baby will have access to a cuddle cot at Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital , thanks to the generosity of Katelyn and Joel Hughes.
On what was meant to be the happiest day of Katelyn and Joel’s lives; the due date of their first child, the couple spent Wednesday, August 7 turning personal tragedy into an opportunity to help others.
Baby Fletcher’s heart stopped beating three months ago, in his mother Katelyn’s womb.
He was born sleeping on May 2, at a gestation of 26 weeks and one day.
The only solace came in the form of their hospital’s ‘cuddle cot’, which is a specially designed cooling cot that allows families to spend extra time with their baby.
“Because of this cuddle cot, which had been donated by another family, we were able to spend almost three full days with our baby boy,” Katelyn said.
“It meant we had time to invite our families in to meet our son. No time would ever have been enough, but we are so grateful we could spend this time with Fletcher and our family, making special memories before saying goodbye.”
After Fletcher’s passing, Katelyn and Joel began raising money for Bears of Hope, an organisation that supports families who have lost a baby.
Their initial aim was to raise $6500 – enough to give one hospital one cuddle cot, but when they hit their target in less than 24 hours, the donations kept pouring in until they had enough to buy two.
They donated one to a Geelong hospital and the other was given to Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
Western Health newborn services nurse unit manager Michelle Ryan said the Hughes family’s generosity was inspiring.
“Katelyn and Joel have been able to turn their tragic loss into something really positive for other families going through what they’ve been through,” she said.
“They are giving other families that most precious gift – time with their babies.”
