Donation protected
We are fundraising in honour of our beautiful baby boy, Rafael Ossian River Townsend, who was born on 8 Sep 2021 and tragically died 8 weeks later. Raf was the most adorable and courageous spirit and made our hearts melt with every cuddle and squeeze of his tiny hand around our fingers. He made our hearts explode in joy and taught us what it is to hope - he still does.
Rafael was born prematurely at 27 weeks - our miracle baby - after the devastating loss of our baby son, Finley in 2020. Our time in hospital with Raf started earlier, at 25 weeks when my waters broke, and we were cared for by the incredible ante-natal staff, whose intervention saved Raf's life and undoubtedly my own. After Raf was born he spent 8 weeks in hospital in NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) being cared for by the wonderful nurses and doctors, who we will be eternally grateful for.
Raf was getting bigger and stronger everyday and we hoped we might have our little miracle baby home with us by Christmas. On 31 October, the hospital called to say Raf had unexpectedly developed a very severe infection and heartbreakingly he died the next day.
To honour our glorious son we would like to raise money to:
- Plant a forest, to represent hope for the future and to help heal our hearts; and
- Support Centenary Hospital for Women and Children in Canberra: if it was not for the phenomenal care we received we would not have had the 8 precious weeks that we got with Rafi.
We would like to plant a forest for Rafael at Scottsdale Reserve , a property managed by Bush Heritage Australia , where we planted a forest for Finley earlier this year.
Thank you to all of our amazing friends and family for your unending support. Crew love is true love. We wouldn't be here without you.
Love Tory and Harry
Organizer
Tory Bridges
Organizer
Harman, ACT