A bereaved couple have signed up for a foam-filled fundraiser to thank the children’s hospice that supported them after the death of their baby son. Chris and Lisa Bearman will be joined by others including eight-year-old son Freddie for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) Norwich Bubble Rush, in July. They are raising funds and awareness as a way of showing their gratitude for the care and support they received, following the death of little Henry in November 2021. “I went into pre-term labour at 23 weeks and Henry was born three days later,” said Lisa, who lives in Bowthorpe. “Amazingly, he was doing well in the neonatal intensive care unit and there weren’t any major health problems, considering he was so small. “However, suddenly, on day eight, he went dramatically downhill. “They had to resuscitate him but they couldn’t get him back and he died in my arms. “Chris and I called our parents to tell them of Henry’s passing. “We said they could come and see him if they wanted. They came to the hospital, held him and both said their hello and goodbyes. “It was the worst time of our lives and we didn’t know which way was up.” Chris, 38, and Lisa, 37, also had to break the news to Henry’s older brother, Freddie. Tragically, he had not been allowed to see his sibling before he died because of Covid restrictions. “We sat him down on a bench outside the hospital and told him his brother had died,” said Lisa. “We asked if he would like to see him and he said yes. “Freddie gave him a hug and sang a lullaby before saying goodbye. “As a family, we only had a very short time with Henry. “We remember thinking how small he was and were worried if he would be OK, having been born so prematurely. “Only Chris and myself were allowed to visit Henry when he was alive due to Covid. “We used to sit by his incubator and talk to him. We’d tell him about his big brother and what we’d do together when he left hospital.” After Henry died, Chris and Lisa were recommended to EACH, which supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Norfolk and the rest of East Anglia. They were encouraged to take part in memory-making exercises, including making hand and foot casts. “We felt numb at the time and were so grateful to EACH,” said Lisa, who works for an insurance company. “We’ll always treasure those casts of his little hands and feet. “I honestly don’t how I would have coped without EACH. “I have counselling to talk through everything and advice for how to help Freddie. “EACH is fantastic and we always say how amazing everyone is and how much they’ve helped since we lost Henry. “We did the Bubble Rush last year as a way to remember Henry. “We thought it would be a fun way to honour our son and give something back, so more families have help if they’re unlucky enough to find themselves in the same situation.” Unfortunately, Chris, who works in IT, was ill last year so Lisa took part with Freddie and father-in-law Paul, 64. This time, Lisa, Chris, Freddie and Paul will be joined by Chris’ sister, Sarah, 34, the couple’s eight-year-old niece, Evie, and Lisa’s mum, Jane, 64. “The three of us had lots of fun last year and wanted to do it again with other family members, all keen to race in Henry’s memory,” said Lisa. EACH’s foam-filled Norwich Bubble Rush is taking place at the Norfolk Showground on 16th July. The course once again features four bubble stations along a 2.5km route. Participants can do one lap or double their enjoyment by completing the circuit twice. Each bubble station has a cannon which pumps out coloured foam to create a four-foot deep bubble bath. To sponsor the Bearman family, head here. Click here for more details of EACH’s fun-filled 2023 Events calendar.
