My Story

My name is Shelby, and in 2012, my world changed forever when my beautiful baby boy, Charlie, passed away at just 4 months old. Charlie had an undiagnosed rare genetic condition called Barth Syndrome, something we only learned about after he was gone.

In those final days, we had precious little time to hold him, take in his features, and make memories. I know how much every extra moment means to a grieving family, and how important it is that they have a compassionate, supportive space to say goodbye.

Since losing Charlie, I’ve met many other parents walking this same devastating path. One thing I’ve learned is that the right equipment, facilities, and support in hospitals can make a huge difference — not only for the parents, but for siblings, too, who are often overlooked in the bereavement process.

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Why I’m Creating This JustGiving Page

In Charlie’s memory, I want to raise funds to:

Buy a cold cot – allowing families to spend precious extra hours or days with their baby after they’ve passed, giving them the chance to create lasting memories and say goodbye in their own time.

Support hospital bereavement services – helping wards invest in better facilities and resources for families facing the loss of a baby.

Create sibling comfort boxes – filled with small toys, books, and keepsakes for brothers and sisters who have to spend their last moments with a sibling. These boxes will provide a little comfort and a way to remember.

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How You Can Help

Your donation, no matter how small, will help bring comfort to families in their darkest moments. It will give parents more time with their baby, and let siblings know that their grief matters too.

This is for Charlie, and for all the little ones gone too soon. Together, we can keep their light alive.

“No matter how brief, every life leaves a light.”