Ten years ago, we had to say goodbye to our beautiful daughter, Isla when she was just 6 and a half weeks old. 

The support we got from the NICU Bereavement Team was incredible. They allowed us to create precious memories and they supported us after her death in every way imaginable.  They continue to be there for parents as they go through every parent's worst nightmare with empathy, kindness and love. This is a service that nobody ever wants to rely on but they are absolutely invaluable. 

I want to continue to thank them for all they did for us and to support them to continue to help other parents in a climate of NHS cuts and cost-saving. 

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Isla Grace was born on 3rd December 2012, seemingly perfect. At two days old, she started to have small seizures and was moved to Neonatal Intensive Care at Stepping Hill. All tests came back normal but she continued to have the seizures and gradually she struggled to breathe more and more. Before Christmas 2012, Isla had an EEG, which showed very abnormal brain activity. She was ventilated and moved to St Mary's NICU for more specialist care. 

At St Mary's she was diagnosed with Neonatal Epileptic Encephalopathy, a truly devastating and cruelly rare diagnosis. Treatment was unsuccessful. Isla deteriorated by the day despite everyone's best efforts. 

On 16th January 2013, with support from the Bereavement Team, we took our beautiful girl into a quiet, homely room and her ventilator was removed. Isla died in my arms on 17th January after giving me and her Daddy some precious time together. 

Isla remains in our hearts and as a part of our family of six. 

"As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be"