It was the worst night of their lives – they had just lost their newborn daughter.
But instead of being able to hold each other that night in the hospital – new parents Trish and Daniel had to sleep apart – Daniel on a blow-up bed – out of arms reach.
Twins Beth and Harry were born in 2013 at Cork University hospital at just 34 weeks. Sadly, baby Beth died just five days later from Patau syndrome – a rare genetic order.
The family didn’t want any other family who lost babies through miscarriage or soon after birth to have to be separated so they decided to fundraise for a family room with a double-bed.
They felt it was something they could do to help others and also dedicate it to Beth’s memory.
(Image of the Clifford family via Irish Examiner)
Last year they raised over €30 thousand and were very involved in the decoration of the brand new family room at CUMH.
Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Trish said and said it was also her way of thanking staff at the hospital for their kindness:
“We were on the fourth floor and I woke up and Daniel was on a mattress beside Beth who was in a crib. It was just so dark and lonely, we wanted to help put a bed in the room and make it a bit brighter. We felt that this is not just our story. Everyone who experiences something like this goes on their own journey and we want this room to be for everyone”
What a beautiful gesture.
