On Sunday, 20th August 2017 our baby daughter, Vera Maggie Marston "Little V" was born sleeping at 22+5 weeks gestation, weighing 640 grams.
Chris and I walked into Queen's hospital 2 days before, expecting to be in and out within a few hours after I hadn't felt little flutters & rolls for what I thought was a day or so. Expecting to find her laying a bit awkwardly we waited excitedly for the Doppler to pick up her heartbeat. We were checked again and again by various midwives before being taken into another room, where we were told our precious bubba had no heartbeat - our worlds fell apart.
We then had to start the process of delivering our daughter, firstly being given some tablets then asked to go home for 36 hours to wait for labour to start. On Sunday I gave birth to Little V at 6.26pm, she was sleeping soundly and peacefully. My wonderful husband and mum by my side every step of the way.
We spend a cherished 24 hours with our little girl in the Snowdrop room at Queens's, where we talked to her, cuddled, sang to her and kissed her, as well as inviting our closest friends & family to meet her for cuddles too. The hardest part was walking away from our baby knowing we couldn't take her home, feeling empty in body and soul.
The midwives before, during and after our delivery were INCREDIBLE. They made us feel safe, looked after and comforted us in the most professional and compassionate way. (special love & cuddles to Donna who brought our baby into this world)

Although no more can be done for our Little V & nothing can bring her back to us, we want to turn our grief into some form of good, we want to raise money in V's name to help turn the Snowdrop room into a better place for grieving parents to spend precious moments creating memories with their babies. Our time there was invaluable, we had a cold cot which allowed us to spend as long as we wanted with our baby, we had tea & coffee facilities and a large bed & space we and our family had use of throughout our time in Snowdrop.

We'd like V's memory to raise money to help the Snowdrop room become more homely for mummies and daddies & their families. There is work to be done , including creating a door between the delivery suite and snowdrop room, to allow for more privacy, as well as placing some finishing touches to make the room as calm and inviting as it can be, and a bit less clinical.

We ask our wonderful family, friends & colleagues (and anyone else who wants to help make the Snowdrop suite better!) to donate in Little V's name instead of donating flowers at her funeral.

Little V's funeral is on Tuesday, 5th September, 12.30pm at St Thomas' Church in Noak Hill, RM4 1LD.
Followed by a celebration at The Thatchers Arms, Warley, Brentwood, CM13 3HU.

We kindly ask those attending the funeral to please be as bright as possible & to bring with you a brightly coloured balloon (with a message if you wish) to release after Vera's service.

Charity Code: VeraTQ43