3 days ago
Generous mum donates items to hospital in memory of baby son born 21 years ago
A MUM whose baby boy was born sleeping 21 years ago has donated items for bereaved parents to mark what would have been her son's milestone birthday.
Stacey Holmes, of Mirehouse, Whitehaven, gave birth to Daniel David at the West Cumberland Hospital on June 15, 2004 and following her baby son's tragic death, helped create a bereavement room at the hospital.
Stacey and her baby son, Daniel David, who was born sleeping 21 years ago (Image: Submitted)
The 45-year-old has collected goods to help comfort other bereaved parents which she handed over to hospital staff on Monday, the day after Daniel would have turned 21.
Items donated to the hospital included tea, coffee, candles, blankets, baby clothes and toiletries.
Stacey Holmes and daughter Hannah hand over donations to staff at the West Cumberland Hospital's bereavement suite (Image: Submitted)Stacey said: 'It's a special time for any child. Had Daniel still been here, we would have made it so special. 21 years later, it doesn't upset me, if anything it gives me a great sense of pride.
'After the loss of Daniel, I was sitting in limbo. The hospital didn't know where to keep me. I was kept on the delivery suite for three days.
Donated items that were handed over to West Cumberland Hospital to mark Daniel David's 21st birthday (Image: Submitted)
'I could hear screams of mums in labour, the cry of newborn babies. It was a terrible time.
'I just wanted to give comfort to other bereaved families. I've had some lovely comments from families. That just gave me overwhelming comfort, that I have done something positive for other people.'
Stacey and her daughter, Hannah, marked Daniel's 21st birthday (Image: Submitted)
Stacey went on to give birth to daughter Hannah, who is now 20, following the loss of Daniel. They both visited Daniel's grave on his birthday and left a beer, balloons and birthday cards for him.
Stacey said: 'Hannah recently lost her own baby and has been the victim of domestic violence. It's been a very hard time again.
Hannah at Daniel's grave on his 21st birthday (Image: Submitted)
'I'm so proud of her for everything she has become. I find it so inspirational that she is living in her big brother's legacy.
'I'm a believer in the psychic world and many mediums have said that Daniel is living on through Hannah.
Stacey Holmes with her daughter, Hannah (Image: Submitted)
'Hannah is such a sassy chick. We are so full of humour towards each other. We have such a beautiful, close relationship.'
A spokesperson for the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust said: 'We are extremely grateful to Ms. Holmes for her generous donations and continued support of the bereavement services at West Cumberland Hospital.
Stacey and daughter, Hannah, share a close bond (Image: Submitted)
"Her contributions have made a profound difference to many individuals and families during some of the most challenging times in their lives.
'Our commitment to supporting bereaved families remains a number one priority through our dedicated bereavement service and the compassionate care of our specialist bereavement midwives.'
