Couple's cricket match raises £1k for "invaluable" hospital facilities

A MOTHER who tragically suffered two stillbirths has raised more than £1,000 in their memory to help fund “invaluable” hospital facilities used by other parents going through the same heartbreaking experience.

Danielle Watson and husband Dave organised a T20 cricket match at Scholes Cricket Club to raise funds for Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity’s Purple Butterfly Appeal.

The couple, who live in Kimberworth, were inspired to fundraise in memory of their daughters Mia-Rose and River, who passed away in March 2018 and April 2019. 

Mia-Rose arrived 18 weeks into Danielle’s pregnancy and River was born at 32 weeks, weighing just 2lbs 15oz.

Rotherham Hospital has two charity-funded Purple Butterfly rooms on ward B11 and the delivery suite for parents who sadly lose a baby. 

“The Purple Butterfly rooms are invaluable places for families who are experiencing the loss of a baby,” said Danielle. “Mia-Rose was taken away quickly as she was so small but I was able to spend time with River in another private room on the delivery suite.

“Although we couldn’t use an official Purple Butterfly room, that time we spent together massively helped with our healing at such a heartbreaking time. It meant everything to us. We could dress River in her first baby clothes, wash and cuddle her, take photos and invite our family to meet her in a safe, comforting and private space. 

“This is our way of giving something back to them to say thank you.” 

The cricket match raised £696.90 with funds reaching £1,039 on Just Giving.

“The event was brilliant,” said Danielle, who is also mum to Ebonie Ortton (16), Faye Ortton (14), two-year-old Tyger Watson and five-month-old Leo Watson. 

“I had never played cricket before but apparently I’m a natural and I’ve been invited to play for a team! 

“We had a lot of fun but it was also good to honour Mia-Rose and River’s memory and to normalise conversations about baby loss, which can be so difficult.”

Specialist bereavement midwife Shahida Mehrban added: “To receive such a big donation in memory of Mia-Rose and River is incredible and we feel proud to be able to invest it in ways that will enhance the care and facilities we provide to other families suffering a bereavement.”