Donation for North Manchester General for extra special moments

Michelle Morgan with Lorraine and Keith Maddock from the Vanessa Fund

Bereaved families who face the heartbreaking trauma of a baby who has been stillborn or died soon after birth in hospital can now have their baby stay with them for as long as they wish, thanks to a special donation from The Vanessa Fund.

The charity, Vanessa Fund, which was formed for a little girl called Vanessa who was diagnosed with leukaemia when she was three years old, has donated a cold cot at the cost of £2,367 to the maternity unit at North Manchester General Hospital in Crumpsall.

Michelle Morgan, secretary of the North Manchester SANDS (Stillbirth and neo-natal death support group) said: “The special refrigerated cot allows babies to stay with their families for a longer length of time so that they can say their final goodbyes and take memories to cherish.

“The cot looks like any other piece of furniture in a nursery and has its mechanics hidden away so that parents will not be caused any distress.

"The cot has been called the Vanessa cot, in recognition of Vanessa and it has already been welcomed by our midwives in supporting parents and families at this very sensitive time.

"We would like to thank Lorraine and Keith Maddock from The Vanessa Fund and everyone who has generously contributed to the purchase of the cot.”

For further information on the North Manchester SANDS group, contact 077900 53309 or email nwsands@hotmail.co.uk