Couple donates memorial bears to help other grieving parents

Fifteen memorial bears to help grieving parents following the loss of a child have been donated to the Trust.

Phoebe and Jim Brooks gifted the bears to the Trust’s Maternity Bereavement Team, based at Medway Maritime Hospital, in memory of their son Jasper who died in April 2021 at just one day old.

Phoebe from Dartford, said: “The pain of losing a baby and the impact it has on parents and families lives is so severe it’s almost indescribable.

“The memorial bears by the charity Making Miracles are very special as they have a zipped pouch at the back which is designed to hold ashes or any other important items that parents want to add to remember their child. Our five-year-old son Oscar has one called Jasper Bear that he cuddles at bed time.

“To celebrate Jasper’s second birthday we decided to buy the bears and donate them to the Trust so they can be given to families who, unfortunately, find themselves in the same positon as we did two years ago. Our hope is that the bears will bring them some comfort while also providing them with something physical to hold during the darkest time of their lives.”

Following Jasper’s death the couple went on to have their daughter Primrose who was born at the hospital on 13 November 2022. They praised Professor Ranjit Akolekar, Consultant in Fetal Medicine and Obstetrics, and his team for supporting them throughout the pregnancy and birth.

Phoebe added: “Following Jasper’s post mortem Professor Akolekar said to us that when we were mentally and physically ready to grow our family that he would look after us throughout the pregnancy. True to his word, he and his amazing team did exactly that. We had weekly and sometimes daily checks and thanks to them we have our beautiful rainbow baby Primrose.

“Everyone at the hospital was always so caring and compassionate and took the time to listen to our story. We were treated with kindness by all of the staff and would like to thank Professor Ranjit Akolekar, Fetal Medicine Consultants Jarek Beta and Matthew Brown and Lead Midwives Harriet Hickey, Nikki Barnes, in Fetal Medicine for all of their care and guidance, as well as Jo Waving on the Maternity Care Unit (MCU) who looked after me whenever I came in for monitoring. Plus, all of the wonderful midwives, care support workers and nurses on Pearl ward – especially Amie Macklin, Clare Thomas, Tor Kirtley, and Suzanne Bowdery and so many more.”

Jim Brooks with daughter Primrose, wife Phoebe and Bereavement Support Midwife Danielle Burnett

Jim said:

“After losing Jasper, the pregnancy with Primrose was always going to be incredibly stressful but the care we received helped tremendously which meant the world to our family. All we can say is how incredible the maternity care is at Medway and how well looked after Phoebe and I were throughout what was a hugely anxious pregnancy.”

Chief Executive Jayne Black said: “We are extremely grateful to Phoebe and Jim for their donation. Losing a child is something nobody should ever have to go through but for those who do experience the sad loss of a child, the memorial bears will, I’m sure, provide comfort to those bereaved families who receive one.

“Expecting another baby after the loss of a baby can be a worrying time which is why I was so pleased to hear how Professor Akolekar and his team, as well as our maternity services team, were able to help Phoebe and Jim to grow their family and provide them with a positive pregnancy and birthing experience.”

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Dr Jaroslaw Beta, who is known to colleagues and service users as Jarek, holds baby Jarek who is named after him. Mum Lauren Davies is pictured next to them.

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