A STOURPORT couple are backing an appeal to raise £60,000 for a new bereavement suite in the maternity unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Becky Yarranton and her partner Paul Dancyger, from Stourport, are supporting the fundraising campaign, having benefitted from the existing facilities at the hospital in January 2016, following the stillbirth of their son, Henry.

The new bereavement suite will provide a private space for parents who have experienced the tragedy of a stillbirth or the loss of their baby post-birth, where they can grieve the loss of their baby.

The new suite will be an addition to the existing bereavement facility - the Fay Turner Suite - which will also benefit from a refurbishment.

Becky said: "The Fay Turner Suite provided a space for our family to see Henry and for us to say goodbye to him.

"We stayed for two days - although at all times it was made clear that we could stay as long as we wanted to.

"It meant so much to us that our family could come and see Henry, and the staff could not do enough for us."

Paul added: "The suite gave us some privacy to be with our loved ones, away from the busy atmosphere of the hospital.

"Henry was brought to us in a cuddle cot - he was perfect, just like his older brother Max.

"Then when the time was right, we said our goodbyes. Without those two days, we would have nothing to remember him by.

"Thank you to the staff at the hospital who were so compassionate and caring.

"It cannot heal the pain, but it helped build real memories."

The funds raised through the appeal will go towards converting an existing room in the maternity department into a suitable space which will include a kitchen area and access into the memorial garden, as well as fixtures and furnishings.

Trudy Berlet, bereavement support midwife at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "We know from the conversations we have with parents how important these facilities are - a space for mothers, partners and family to go, away from the noise and bustle of the nearby maternity ward.

"We are very fortunate to have already received huge support from the local community and have £10,000 already in the fund towards these works.

"Now we are looking for an extra £50,000 so that we can go ahead with the works required to provide an additional suite as soon as possible."

To support the Worcestershire Maternity Bereavement Suite appeal, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/worcestershire-maternity-bereavement-suite.

You can also text £AMOUNT, with the code WMBS60 to 70070.

For more information about organising a fundraising event for the appeal, visit worcsacute.nhs.uk/uk/about-us/fundraising or call 01905 760453.