Bereaved families to benefit from legacy of love with new cot
Grieving parents at Southend Hospital are being better supported thanks to a recent donation made in memory of a baby.
A new cold cot has been delivered to the hospital’s Maternity Bereavement Suite, giving families more time with their baby following a loss.
The refrigerated unit, developed by a baby loss charity called Abigail’s Footsteps, helps preserve a baby’s body, allowing parents more time to bond, say goodbye and create lasting memories during an incredibly difficult time.
The cot was given in memory of George Charlie Emmett, who was stillborn at 23 weeks in March 2022. Since his passing, mum Keeley Lengthorn has led a national fundraising effort that has donated more than £100,000 to improve bereavement care across the UK.
Keeley, a solicitor and founder of George’s Law, also campaigned for legislation to introduce statutory paid leave for parents who lose a baby before 24 weeks. The law was passed on what would have been George’s third birthday.
The £3,000 cot donation was made possible thanks to Jo Yates, owner of Yatesy’s Boxing Lab in Sidcup, who helped lead the fundraising alongside Keeley and their boxing community.
Keeley said: “I can’t thank Jo and my boxing family enough for making this generous cot donation possible. Boxing has saved me. Jo has created a family at the gym, and George is lucky to have had so many aunts and uncles who loved him and have supported our charitable efforts in his memory.”
Kayley Donovan, Fundraising Appeals Manager at Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Jo and Keeley for their donation. These cots are such an important part of the bereavement suite, giving families precious time with their baby. Thanks to their generosity and the work of Abigail’s Footsteps, we can continue to support families through their loss with compassion and dignity.”