Couple who lost baby create new hospital room for other grieving parents
Greg and Suzanne Russell raised £5,420 in memory of their baby Lily, who was born prematurely at 24 weeks in January 2014 and only lived for few hours.
Last updated 25th Feb 2025
A couple who lost their baby daughter have helped create a special hospital room at University Hospital Wishaw where other bereaved parents can go to grieve.
Greg and Suzanne Russell raised £5,420 in memory of their baby Lily, who was born prematurely at 24 weeks in January 2014.
The room has a double bed, wardrobes, TV, ensuite and a framed message on the wall in tribute to Lily. There is a “cold cot” for those who wish to spend time with a child who has passed away. It will also provide a private space for parents to stay while their baby is cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Greg said: “We lost Lily because her lungs weren’t fully developed. The maternity and neonatal staff supported us fantastically and prepared us for the worst. It seemed appropriate to do something for them on the 10th anniversary of losing Lily.
“The hospital staff said the money would be best used to build the family room and we were delighted. It was very important for us that we got to spend time alone with Lily in her final hours and after. It gives us comfort to know other parents will now have a special, homely place on the neonatal unit to be together during these heartbreaking moments.”
Suzanne said: “It gives us a great sense of peace knowing this room will bring some form of comfort to couples, who will able to spend precious time with their baby that they wouldn’t otherwise have.”
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