Family to take steps of love in memory of baby and support bereavement care
A grieving family will walk in memory of their baby daughter to support the hospital team who cared for them during the most difficult time of their lives.
More than 20 friends and relatives will take part in this year’s Walk for Wards in Southend to honour the memory of baby Goldie Isabella Carter and raise money for the Butterfly Suite at Southend Hospital.
Leading the group are Goldie’s parents, Lucy and Jack Carter, who lost their daughter at 32 weeks pregnant in April this year. Following the loss, they were able to spend precious time with Goldie at the Butterfly Suite, a dedicated bereavement space at Southend Hospital.
Goldie was diagnosed with Progressive Arthrogryposis, a rare condition which meant she would not survive following delivery. The diagnosis came as a devastating shock after what had been a healthy pregnancy.
Lucy said: “The Butterfly Suite gave us the time and space to be with Goldie, to hold her, and for our daughter Rosie to meet her little sister.
“We are walking to honour Goldie’s memory and to support the hospital team who helped us through the darkest days of our lives.”
Walk for Wards, organised by Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity, is a free, family-friendly 7km walk along Southend seafront. Participants can raise money for any wards or hositals of the Trust by raising at least £25 in sponsorship.
This year’s event will take place on Saturday 21 September. To sign up, visit: www.msehospitalscharity.co.uk/event/walk-for-wards
To support Lucy and Jack’s fundraising for the Butterfly Suite, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/goldiesstory