Devastated parents organise charity ball for hospice

A GRIEVING couple who lost their baby daughter just hours after she was born have started fund-raising in her memory to help other families going through a similar ordeal.

Joanne and Jonathan Tennick's daughter Rosie was born with the rare condition osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic disorder characterised by brittle bones, and lived for just 28 hours.

The couple, of St Withold Avenue, Thurcroft, have raised £3,000 for Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice, where they said their final farewell, and are hoping that total will top £5,000.

Their ordeal begain when abnormalities were discovered with Rosie at the 16-week scan stage.

Her chest was so small her lungs were not able to develop properly and doctors initially suspected she had thanataphoric dysplasia, a severe skeletal disorder.

Despite being advised that their baby may not survive, the couple decided to proceed with the pregnancy and Rosie was delivered by Caesarian section at Royal Hallamshire Hospital, weighing just 4lbs 10oz.

But her condition deteriorated and she died just 28 hours after her birth.

Joanne (29) said: "As soon as I saw her I just burst into tears.

"She was looking directly at me and held my finger as soon as I put it in her hand.

"Although it was a difficult pregnancy, I remained hopeful and focused on cherishing every moment we had with Rosie while she was still with us.

"Those few hours are the most precious of my life and I will treasure them forever."

Following Rosie's death, Joanne and Jonathan (32), along with Rosie's sister Pippa (two), were able to spend time at Bluebell Wood before the funeral.

Joanne, a maternity support worker, said she had been impressed with the support the family received from the hospice.

"The hospice did an incredible job of looking after us", she said.

"We were able to spend some quality time with Rosie.

"Pippa was able to meet her sister and they helped us sort out funeral arrangements.

"We were able to hold her and kiss her until we said goodbye."

The family are now aiming to raise £5,000 for the hospice to build an extension on the room where they stayed.

They have organised a charity fundraising event called Rosie's Love Ball at the Consort Suite Hotel in Thurcroft on February 13.

The event will include a three-course meal, live music and a raffle and auction.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/warriorprincess rosie/