My beautiful friend Holly and her family have recently experienced the unimaginable loss of her precious baby boy, Frankie.

After already being a wonderful mother to two amazing little girls, Holly was overjoyed to learn she was expecting her first son.

But the pregnancy was incredibly difficult. Holly endured severe sickness, multiple hospital stays, and eventually was diagnosed with Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM) – a condition where the waters break too early. This led to ongoing, frightening complications and meant long stretches in hospital, separated from her daughters, partner and the comfort of her home.

At just 26 weeks, baby Frankie made his way into the world. He was immediately taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where he spent 12 precious days surrounded by love. During that time, Holly and family were by his side, holding his tiny fingers, singing to him, and treasuring every moment she had with her beautiful boy.

Tragically, on the 12th day (18/07/2025), Frankie passed away in his mummy’s and daddy’s arms. He had developed Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) — a life-threatening intestinal disease that affects premature babies. As doctors prepared for emergency surgery that might have saved him, Frankie’s condition worsened when he developed sepsis. The infection spread quickly, and he became too unwell to undergo the surgery he so desperately needed.

Despite the heartbreak, Holly feels deeply grateful for the time she had with Frankie. Those 12 days were a gift — made possible by the incredible care and compassion of the NICU staff, who worked tirelessly to support both Frankie, Holly and family through the most difficult days of their lives.

Holly was able to stay in the hospital with Frankie for a few days in the bereavement room with a cold cot meaning she could hold and cuddle her baby. Without a cold cot that wouldn’t have been possible. I know Holly wants to raise money for the hospital to be able to buy another cold cot for other parents to be able to spend that precious time with their baby.

Now, in memory of her baby boy, Holly is planning to create a peaceful memorial space in her garden. A special place to sit, reflect, and feel close to Frankie. A space filled with love, calm, and memories.

Holly is also incredibly passionate about giving back to the people and places that supported her during this devastating time — particularly the NICU team and EACH (East Anglian Children’s Hospice). Through fundraising and awareness, she hopes to help other families going through similar heartbreak, and in doing so, find some small measure of healing.

We’re asking for your support to help bring this vision to life — whether it’s for a tree, a bench, a plaque, or flowers — every contribution will help build a lasting tribute to a little life that meant so much.

Any additional funds raised will be donated to NICU and EACH, in Frankie’s memory.

Please give whatever you can. No amount is too small. Let’s help Holly honour her son’s memory and create a space — and a legacy — filled with love, hope, and support for others.