EastEnders Star Molly Rainford Appeals for Support After Family's Heartbreaking Loss
Singer and actress Molly Rainford, known for her role in EastEnders, has made a heartfelt plea to fans following a devastating family tragedy. The 25-year-old star shared that a family member's baby girl was born sleeping, with doctors unable to detect a heartbeat during a scan.
A Courageous Fundraising Effort in Memory of Lola
Molly revealed that the baby's father is undertaking an extraordinary challenge to honor his daughter's memory. He plans to run a half marathon every month throughout the year to raise funds for cooling cots, which are refrigerated units that allow bereaved parents to spend precious time with their babies after stillbirth or neonatal death.
The JustGiving campaign has set an ambitious target of £12,000 to purchase these essential devices for maternity wards across the country. At the time of reporting, the fundraiser had already gathered an impressive £11,895 in donations, demonstrating overwhelming public support for this important cause.
The Importance of Cooling Cots for Bereaved Families
Cooling cots, provided by charities like Abigail's Footsteps, play a crucial role in supporting families through unimaginable loss. These specialized units help slow natural bodily changes, giving parents valuable time to bond with their babies and create lasting memories before saying goodbye.
Tragically, these vital resources are not available in every maternity ward across the United Kingdom, leaving many families without this essential support during their most difficult moments.
A Personal Journey of Grief and Determination
In the fundraising appeal, the baby's father shared his emotional experience: "Some of you may be aware that at 21:25 on Thursday 11th December, my daughter Lola May Sullivan was born sleeping. The silence of that room as me and my wife held our second daughter will never, ever leave me."
He described the half marathon challenge as "almost impossible" given his limited exercise history, but emphasized his determination to complete it through sheer willpower and the desire to ensure his daughter Lola is never forgotten. The final marathon is planned for around what would have been Lola's first birthday in December 2026.
Molly Rainford's Rising Career and Compassionate Appeal
Molly Rainford first captured public attention as a finalist on Britain's Got Talent in 2012 before securing her role as Anna Knight in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. She further showcased her talents as a runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing and as a competitor in Celebrity Race Across The World.
Through her platform, Molly has amplified this important cause, writing: "My cousin's sister's baby girl was born sleeping and her partner is courageously running a half marathon every month to raise money and keep Lola's Legacy living on."
The fundraiser remains open throughout the year, with organizers acknowledging that finances may be tight after the holiday season but emphasizing that any support would be deeply appreciated by the grieving family.
