Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust is first in Yorkshire to receive generous donation of a Cuddle Blanket from Maggie’s Legacy | News

Bereaved families in Wakefield will benefit from the donated blanket which gives the gift of precious time with a loved one after they have died.

Following the death of their daughter, Maggie Pearl Parsons in 2015, Sarah Bernasconi-Parsons and her husband Mark launched Maggie’s Stillbirth Legacy to raise money for Cuddle Blankets and Cuddle Cots to donate to Trusts and organisations across the UK and worldwide. 

Sarah said; "When our daughter died, the Cuddle Cot meant that we could have three days with Maggie to create precious memories. Finding out that not every family had access to Cuddle Cots was quite upsetting.”

Similar to Cuddle Cots, Cuddle Blankets are insulated blankets that use cold to help preserve the body of a loved one and gives families a longer period to spend with them.

The Trust is home to a Cuddle Cot which is suitable for children up to two years old. Sarah Boron, Lead Nurse for child death and bereavement support at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, contacted Sarah of Maggie’s Legacy following researching ways to support families that have lost an older child, to find out more about Cuddle Blankets.

Sarah of Maggie’s continues; “When Sarah from MYTT contacted me to ask questions about the blanket’s it was brilliant timing - I had almost reached my target to purchase my next blanket and was looking for the next Trust to gift one to. I asked Sarah if they had one - which they didn’t – I said great, I’ll donate one!”

Upon delivery of the Cuddle Blanket, Sarah also provides free training for staff on how to swiftly, sensitively and compassionately set-up the equipment around the grieving family.

Sarah Boron said; “We’re so grateful to Sarah and Maggie’s Stillbirth Legacy for the amazing equipment she has provided us with. We always try to put parents in mind when dealing with the death of a child, something Sarah is very knowledgeable and passionate about.

“The death of a child is a devastating and traumatic experience for parents. Having access to the Cuddle Blanket will allow families more time to process what has happened and help them start their grief process.”

MY Hospitals Charity, the registered NHS Charity (Registered Charity Number 1067163) supporting MYTT will support the upkeep of the blanket.

To find out more about Maggie’s Stillbirth Legacy visit: http://www.maggiesstillbirthlegacy.org.uk/

To donate to MY Hospitals Charity visit https://www.myhospitalscharity.org/