Cold cot donations as thanks for bereavement care
Families experiencing baby loss will be able to spend precious time with their child thanks to the donation of two cold cots by families who have suffered the same loss themselves.
The cots at Broomfield Hospital’s Maternity Bereavement Suite, were made possible by two families working with baby loss charity Abigail’s Footsteps.
The cold cots allow parents more time to hold their baby, take photographs, and say goodbye in their own time, helping them create lasting memories.
One cot was donated in memory of Albie, who passed away at 39 weeks in July 2023. His parents, Holly and Lee Gisby from Hockley, have raised thousands of pounds through events including a gala in Southend and entering a team in the London Landmarks Half Marathon.
Holly said: “This is our sixth cot handover in memory of our baby Albie. Delivering the first cot was a very emotional day, but the more we have handed over, and as time has gone on, it brings us joy and is a much happier experience. Raising money for cold cots has helped us with our grief, knowing they will help so many families have the same opportunity we did with Albie, making memories with their baby.”
The second cot was donated by Jodie and Colin Matthews, from Witham, in memory of their daughter Willow, who died at 20 weeks after a miscarriage in November 2024.
Jodie said: “We received unwavering support from the team at the Blossom Suite at Broomfield Hospital. The Bereavement Midwives supported us emotionally and physically, providing strength and support to us, and allowed us to stay with Willow as a family for as long as we wanted in her cold cot.
“They also made precious memories with Willow, like hand and footprints, and provided other keepsakes like memory boxes. So many hospitals do not have this type of amazing help, so we feel incredibly lucky to have had this level of support.
“We wanted to give something back, so a group of us got together and did a charity skydive. Between the six of us, we raised enough funds to be able to donate a cold cot and a few other home comforts for the Blossom Suite.
“We are so proud of Willow’s legacy, and how something so negative happening has turned out to be something so positive. We’ve had fun raising awareness and money.”
Max Ridley-Snell from the Bereavement Team at the Trust, said: “Every family’s loss is unique, and having time together can make a world of difference. These donations mean parents can spend more time with their baby and say goodbye without feeling rushed. We’re so thankful to the families, who have both been through so much, and are now helping others through their hardest moments.”