Bereaved parents have spoken of the invaluable support they receive from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) in a powerful new film released to mark the start of Baby Loss Awareness Week.
Lee Channell and Emie Rayfield have shared their story in a special video outlining the help they continue to receive at The Nook, in Framingham Earl.
The couple’s baby, Theodore, died at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital when he was just 71 minutes old, on 22nd July 2021.
He was born at 5.25am and passed away at 6.36am.
“Initially, we were both scared because, obviously, we didn’t want our baby to die,” said Emie, 32.
“However, having support helped us control the controllable.
“We had choices and decisions and that was only possible because of EACH.
“It meant we were able to focus on what was important to us and most appropriate for our family.
“Without that, as dramatic as it sounds, I don’t think I’d be here now. I just wouldn’t have been able to cope.
“The hospice was completely different to what I imagined.
“When I thought about it beforehand, I envisaged misery, sadness and darkness.
“However, it’s not like that in reality. There’s a lot of love and positivity here.”
Theodore had exomphalos – a defect of the abdominal wall detected during Emie’s routine 12-week scan, in January 2021.
At that point it was hoped surgery would correct the problem.
Instead, more scans revealed further problems, notably the devastating fact he had no kidneys, and Lee and Emie were duly referred to EACH.
After Theodore died they chose to bring him to The Nook.
They drove themselves to spend time together as a family, creating treasured memories supported by staff at the hospice.
EACH continues to support the couple, who live in Norwich, and they have fortnightly sessions with counsellor Amy Brown.
They made the brave decision to share their story as a way of helping raise awareness of the charity, which supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across East Anglia.
The film, which is now available to watch on the EACH website and is being shared via its social media channels, was produced in collaboration with experienced journalist and former long-serving BBC Look East reporter Kevin Burch.
It is four and a half minutes long and being released to mark the beginning of national Baby Loss Awareness Week, which started yesterday and runs until Saturday.
EACH Chief Executive Phil Gormley said: “We’re incredibly proud of this powerful film and hugely grateful to Lee and Emie. There’s no doubt their message will help so many families in the future and this is the perfect time to launch it, at the start of Baby Loss Awareness Week.”
In addition to the film, Lee and Emie have also shared their story in an accompanying written feature. To read it, click here.
Theodore’s story
By their own admission, bereaved parents Lee Channell and Emie Rayfield would be lost without the “priceless” support of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The couple’s baby, Theodore, died at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital when he was just 71 minutes old, on 22nd July 2021. He was born at 5.25am and passed away at 6.36am.
Afterwards they chose to bring him to The Nook, in Framingham Earl.
They drove themselves to spend time together as a family, creating treasured memories supported by staff at the hospice.
Little Theodore had exomphalos – a defect of the abdominal wall detected during Emie’s routine 12-week scan, in January 2021.
At that point it was hoped surgery would correct the problem.
Instead, more scans revealed further problems, notably the devastating fact he had no kidneys, and Lee and Emie were duly referred to EACH.
It meant the couple were able to engage with staff and begin making plans for the inevitable.
Image credits EACH