Two families from Essex, who have experienced the profound loss of a baby, have transformed their grief into a powerful legacy by donating special cold cots to a local hospital. Their generous gifts will offer other bereaved parents the invaluable chance to spend precious, unhurried time with their child.
A Legacy of Love for Albie and Willow
The two cold cots have been placed in the Blossom Suite, the dedicated maternity bereavement facility at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford. The donations were facilitated in partnership with the national baby loss charity, Abigail's Footsteps. These cooling units are designed to give families more time to hold their baby, create keepsakes like photographs and footprints, and say farewell at their own pace.
One cot was donated in memory of Albie, who passed away at 39 weeks in July 2023. His parents, Holly and Lee Gisby from Hockley, have channelled their grief into fundraising, raising thousands through events including a gala in Southend and entering a team in the London Landmarks Half Marathon.
"This is our sixth cot handover in memory of our baby Albie," Holly shared. "Delivering the first cot was a very emotional day, but the more we have handed over, and as time has gone on, it brings us joy and is a much happier experience. Raising money for cold cots has helped us with our grief, knowing they will help so many families have the same opportunity we did with Albie."
Turning Grief into Support for Others
The second cot was donated by Jodie and Colin Matthews from Witham, in memory of their daughter Willow. Willow died at 20 weeks after a miscarriage in November 2024. The couple were deeply supported by the hospital's Bereavement Midwives, who helped them create lasting memories with Willow.
"We wanted to give something back," Jodie explained. "So a group of us got together and did a charity skydive. Between the six of us, we raised enough funds to be able to donate a cold cot and a few other home comforts for the Blossom Suite." She added, "We are so proud of Willow’s legacy, and how something so negative has turned out to be something so positive."
Making a World of Difference for Grieving Families
Max Ridley-Snell from the Bereavement Team at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust emphasised the critical importance of the donations. "Every family’s loss is unique, and having time together can make a world of difference," he said. "These donations mean parents can spend more time with their baby and say goodbye without feeling rushed. We’re so thankful to the families, who have both been through so much, and are now helping others through their hardest moments."
The actions of the Gisby and Matthews families ensure that in the midst of tragedy, other parents in Essex will have the vital space and time they need to begin their healing journey.
