In October 2017 Helen and I learned she was pregnant which came as a BIG surprise. All the usual steps followed and in January 2018 we nervously attended our first scan. The sonographer discovered baby had a 'cystic hygroma' which indicated a lymphatic / genetic problem. We went home numb, after all the excitement leading up to the day, we were devastated. More tests followed and we learned baby had Edwards Syndrome, a rarely survived chromosomal problem. More tests followed and at our 15 week scan we learned baby had passed away, we were heart broken.

On the 5th February at 09:00 Helen gave birth to our beautiful son Skylar with the help and support of the midwifes in the Royal Oldham Butterfly Suite. At a time when our world was falling apart they provided care and helped us through something we never thought would happen.

The Butterfly Room is helped by the fantastic fund raising efforts of the staff and many of the families who have lost a child . It's a peaceful room where you bring your child in to the world and spend time with them, albeit for a brief moment.

Helen and I are running in the 2018 Simply Health Manchester 10k in memory of Skylar and to raise funds for the unit. It's our way to say a small thank you and in the hope it may help others going through the loss of their child too.

Royal Oldham Butterfly Suite