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A family from Buckden raised £30k to refurbish a dedicated space for bereaved parents following the loss of their daughter.

Rachel Normanton, 33 and husband Alex, 34, received the devastating news that their unborn daughter Ruby had died, when Rachel was 28 weeks pregnant. Rachel first became concerned by reduced movements on 20 March 2024 and was encouraged to speak to the maternity team at Hinchingbrooke Hospital by a close friend.

Under closer investigation, Rachel received the heartbreaking news that their daughter had passed away. Baby Ruby was born on 21 March and over the next few days Rachel and her family spent precious moments with Ruby in the Meadow Suite, a dedicated room for parents who have experienced bereavement.

Rachel said: “It was an incredibly difficult time for us, and we appreciated the space and time to grieve, but the facilities were basic and clinical and in that situation, we just wanted to feel comfortable in a home environment.”

Rachel's mum-in-law, Lisa Normanton, also worked in Estates at the hospital and her experience prompted the family to start fundraising to refurbish the Meadow Suite. Over £20k was donated by a contractor called Construct, who knew of the family's personal circumstances through its work at Hinchingbrooke and another £9k was raised through donations and cake stall sales.

Lisa said: “We all wanted to help in whatever way we could and try and turn something heartbreaking into something positive. We were absolutely overwhelmed with the kind words and donations. As a result, we have managed to transform the Meadow Suite so families in the same situation as Rachel and Alex can feel comfortable in a home-from-home environment.”

The money raised has created a kitchenette with microwave, crockery and utensils, medical bed and fold-down double bed for relatives to stay, mood lighting, enhanced shower facilities, wall mural, bedding, table and chairs and 10 memory boxes to hold keepsakes, amongst other items and accessories. The family are continuing to fundraise to support the Maternity Bereavement Service for both Hinchingbrooke and Peterborough City Hospitals. If you would like to donate, then please follow the link to the charity page: North West Anglia Hospitals Charity: Meadow Suite Makeover

Rachel continued: “The hospital has included us in the design and incorporated our feedback into everything, which has given us something to focus on. If my situation can help anyone, I would like to make other parents aware of the importance of contacting your midwife if you experience reduced movements. It is not a waste of anyone's time; the maternity team are there to support you.”

Melissa Davis, Director of Midwifery for the Trust which runs Hinchingbrooke Hospital, said: “We offer our heartfelt condolences to Rachel and Alex following the death of baby Ruby. We are incredibly grateful to Rachel, Alex, their family and Construct, for supporting the significant improvements to the Meadow Suite, which will have a lasting impact for families. To be able to provide a more comfortable environment, during the most difficult times families experience, will make such a difference and we would like to thank Rachel and Alex for being actively involved in supporting us to design the improvements. 

“We completely echo Rachel's advice, to anyone who experiences a change in their baby's movements, please contact the maternity unit to speak to a midwife who can advise you.” 

 

ENDS 

Note to editors:

The Meadow Suite facility was officially opened on 5 May 2016 by Baroness Julia Cumberlege and Amanda Buckenham (Chair of Voices and now a Public Governor for the Trust) with this refurbishment taking place 10 years later. 

Pic captions:

·       Photo of Rachel, husband Alex, big sister Poppy, age 5 and little brother Roman Normanton, age 8 months.

·       Photo of memorial for Ruby.

·       Photos of Meadow Suite refurbishment

·       Photo of Hinchingbrooke Hospital staff, Normanton family and Construct official opening of the refurbished Meadow Suite.