Couple who lost twins fund bereavement room boost

A couple have raised £18,000 for a hospital to make additions to its bereavement care provision that supports families following the loss of a baby.

Emma and Jordan Fellows, from Coventry, lost their twin boys in 2023. They have raised money by taking on sponsored challenges, including climbing Snowdon, to improve the experience of users of the Dandelion Room at the city's University Hospital.

The provision was launched to offer a "private space in such a difficult time", Mrs Fellows said. There, bereaved parents may spend time with their baby.

Two new bereavement rooms are being built in addition to the existing Dandelion Room thanks to their efforts and those of other families.

Mrs Fellows said: "Although you go into the labour ward, you turn right straight away, so staff and other patients will know what you're there for."

A separate entrance and exit is now planned for the two new rooms, with soundproofing.

Mrs Fellows stated: "Hearing other women giving birth, knowing they're getting that reward of their baby while you're going through such extreme emotions, was absolutely heartbreaking."

The trust running the hospital said the building work was expected to take three to four months.

The trust said it would not disrupt maternity care.

Chief nursing officer Tracey Brigstock said: "We have listened to feedback from patients and know how important this facility will be in us being able to provide the most compassionate care.

"We want to do all we can to support families going through such a traumatic experience and this will allow them more time to spend precious moments with their baby. We are delighted to see all the hard work that has gone in to making this happen coming to fruition."

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