Headstone for baby Nathan John

In the UK if you give birth to a still born before 24 weeks you can be issued a certificate of birth, even if it is printed by yourself for the hospital to sign.  It is also law that they are to formally registered in England and Wales within 42 days of birth.  Nathan John Waite was not stillborn and he was not in the UK at the time his Mum gave birth, he wanted to fight but was not given the chance.  His Mummy and Daddy feel it is only owed to him to give him the headstone on his grave he deserves.  Read on for the whole story...

A wedding!! We all love a good wedding and 2017 was the year that we all had our calendars marked for the lovely Vicky and Jamie to tie the knot.  Then one evening we all received phone calls….. “I’m pregnant!! The wedding is being brought forward!!”

Vicky was told a long time ago she could not get pregnant so this was wonderful news as this would be her second baby after the handsome little Jamie Luke.

The wedding came, beautiful, glowing bride, dashing groom and family and friends filling the room.

They waited a little, then at 22 weeks pregnant, they honeymooned in Spain. Relaxation, sun, the sea…. Perfect.  Until Vicky felt what she did not want to feel.

At 23 weeks and 2 days of Vicky’s pregnancy, the 24th May 2017 at 12:10pm she gave birth to Nathan John Waite.  He weighed in at 1lb 4oz.  He was a perfect baby boy.  However, the hospital in Ciutadella, Menorca, were not equipped for such an emergency.  At 13:10pm, at 1 hour old, baby Nathan John passed away.

A honeymoon turns to heartbreak. Due to the differences in law in Spain they were given just 2 minutes to hold him. No photos. No birth or death certificates.  No real goodbyes.  

The costs to fly his tiny little body home and then have him buried on 13th June 2017 were in excess of £1800. The funeral directors were kind and sympathetic enough to give Vicky and Jamie prints of Nathan John’s tiny hands and feet.

Now Vicky and Jamie are asking you if you could spare a few pounds so they can save for a headstone. The one they want to order and that he deserves is £4000.  I know it is coming up to Christmas, but if you can share anything for them to achieve this it would make us so happy.  The love in their home is warm and kind.  They would be so grateful to you all.

Thank you so much for reading their story and if you cannot donate then please share this story and we pass on our thanks and love to you.

Sarah Bowker and Ben Pashley

Friends of the Waite Family in Morely, Leeds, UK