Memories by Hudson appeal aims to help other parents with loss of newborn baby

A young Rochdale mum who lost her premature son shortly after birth has launched an appeal to help other families who have also lost a newborn baby.

At just 22 weeks pregnant, Maddison Carter gave birth to her son, Hudson Carter Thomond on 4 March, but he sadly died the same day.

Maddison told Rochdale Online that 'everything was fine' at her 16-week scan, before anomalies 'and other issues' were found at her following 20-week scan.

“With a cheeky smile” baby Hudson was born weighing just 1lb 3oz, after Maddison was induced.

An inquest into his death will take place later this year.

Determined to keep her son’s memory alive and give something back, Maddison began her fundraiser, Memories by Hudson, to donate teddy bears and other items for newborns on maternity wards.

She said: “The help and support I received during my time in the hospital was more than I ever expected. A big thing that helped was the donations made by other families that had gone through the same thing as me, small things like a personal teddy bear really helped.”

 

 

Maddison listed donations which had helped, including teddy bears, a clay foot mould, keepsakes and memory boxes as well as blankets, clothing, toiletries, support packs and a camera.

Maddison added: “Items like these weren’t expected but they really helped and made me smile. The reason I had these was because other families had donated them, and I’d hate to think that there could be families in the future that have to go without.

“I plan to take donations of all the above and more every couple of months to my local hospital.”

Over £1,900 has already been raised in Hudson’s memory, which has allowed Maddison to collect the first donations for the Royal Oldham Hospital, including knitted blankets, books, wish bracelets, knitted hats, boots, mittens, newborn outfits, toiletry bags, children’s activity bags, sewn hearts, notebooks, photo frames, tissues, batteries, disposable slippers, and lots of teddies.

 

 

Maddison also praised her younger brother, Dawson, for his help and support throughout, raising money to buy nappies, wipes and bags: "Dawson has been absolutely amazing and so incredibly strong. He's in charge of nappy sets for the labour ward. We also released five balloons for Hudson, but three got stuck in a tree. Dawson said this meant Hudson doesn't want to leave us.”

Many of the knitted items have been specially donated after being handmade in response to Maddison’s appeal.

She added: “Thank you so much for all the donations so far, you have all blown me away. I am so grateful for every penny donated so far. Hudson has touched many many hearts - family, friends and so so many people that we don’t know.”

“Hudson’s memory will always be alive.”

You can follow the appeal via Facebook: www.facebook.com/MemoriesbyHudson

To donate, please visit:

• www.gofundme.com/f/memories-by-hudson