A Rickmansworth mum whose baby died 28 years ago on June 14 has come up with a novel idea in her memory and to help other bereaved parents.
Jane Harrison, from Rickmansworth, was thanked by Northwick Park hospital in Harrow on Friday for her ‘ kind donation’ of a new born baby outfit in memory of her daughter Natalie. She hopes this will prompt other people to follow suit after what happened to her.
Jane and her husband Michael sadly lost Natalie at a day old from a brain haemorrhage 28 years ago.
Jane explained: “Our family were naturally distraught, but strangely through all the tears, and with so little I could do for Natalie, what she would wear for her funeral became very important to me.
“All the family were too upset to consider what seemed like a minor item. So Natalie ended up wearing what I can only describe as a clown dress, something I would never have chosen and which I have never forgotten”.
Jane went on to have a healthy son, Daniel, but felt she missed out on buying girls’ clothes. So 28 years later, she finally had an idea which she hopes will help other grieving parents who have lost their babies. She approached Northwick Park after reading about their new bereavement suite, the Myrtle Suite.
“It’s quite a simple idea, really”, said Jane. “Why not buy that special outfit, in memory of your lost child on his or her birthday, and donate it to your local maternity unit so that parents who stand where you once stood can benefit”. Grandparents, family and friends can also make donations.
The trust’s maternity unit said it would be delighted to accept any new (not second hand please) outfits for new born baby boys or girls. Just drop them off at maternity’s main reception at Northwick Park Hospital, and staff will make sure they are well looked after. #inmemoryofnatalie
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