A COUPLE whose “world fell apart” when they tragically lost two babies in a year are raising money to help fund support for others.
Neal Riley and his wife Els lost their son Oscar in January 2023, and their daughter, Sophie, in November of the same year.
The Benson Suite, within the Maternity Department at Salisbury District Hospital, provides a dedicated, private space where families who sadly experience the death of a baby at birth can be cared for with their baby, away from the Labour Ward. The specialist suite helps ensure the time these families are able to spend with their baby is as precious, dignified and personal as possible.
Neal and Els said: “2023 was unimaginable, totally devasting, and life-changing for all the wrong reasons.
“The Benson Suite provided a space where we could process the tragedy and come to terms with losing Oscar and Sophie. The staff were incredible, supporting us throughout and making us feel at ease.”
The Stars Appeal Bereavement Midwife, whose work is funded entirely by donations to the charity, helped the Rileys during and after the loss of their babies.
“Without this help, life would have been even more difficult, but to have someone who phoned us once a week, asked how we were getting on, and signposting us to other support groups was fantastic,” the pair, from Gussage St Michael in Dorset, added.
READ MORE: Stars trekkers raise whopping £83,000 with lost city effort
READ MORE: Cancer patient to take on Walk for Wards in aid of Stars Appeal
“The Benson Suite is so important. It provides a space away from the Maternity Ward where you can spend time with your baby. You aren’t rushed and can have all the time you need.
“Although it is a hospital setting, the Benson Suite doesn’t feel clinical in the slightest. It meant the world to us both to have this support available.”
They have already raised more than £6,000 for the Benson Suite in memory of Oscar and Sophie.
Neal and his friends previously took on a 72-hole golf challenge, which raised more than £4,500. He is now planning a 100-hole golf challenge on June 23 at Rushmore Golf Club.
Money raised will contribute to the £50,000 the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity, aims to raise each year to maintain the Stars Appeal Benson Suite and fund the Stars Appeal Bereavement Midwife.
The couple said: “We want our children to be remembered in everything we do. Fundraising keeps their memories alive and will help families who go through the tragic loss of their child.”
Leave a Reply