Ayrshire Maternity Unit receives £10,785 donation for bereavement services

Ayrshire Maternity Unit has received a donation of £10,785 from Olivia Bentham and her partner Daniel Young to support its bereavement services.

Left to right: Senior Charge Midwife Gillian, Olivia and Daniel and Midwife, Rachel Coleman

The Irvine couple launched their ‘Giving Back for Bowie’ fundraiser earlier this year in honour of their son, Bowie.

Daniel, alongside some family members, completed the Scottish Half Marathon in June, raising £6,150. A charity night held during Baby Loss Awareness Week raised a further £4,635.

Olivia said, “We will never forget the care and compassion shown to us by the Ayrshire Maternity Unit Bereavement Team.

“Giving back in Bowie’s name has been our way of honouring him and supporting a service that holds families with dignity and love when they need it most.”

“Thank you to the incredible generosity of our family and friends for supporting and donating. These funds will help ensure other families receive the same compassionate care that carried us through our darkest days.”

The donation will be used to enhance memory-making opportunities for families experiencing loss and to help create a dedicated memory garden at the hospital. The couple also provided 15 books to the Bereavement Team to support other families during their time of grief.

Attica Wheeler, Director of Midwifery within Women and Children’s Services for NHS Ayrshire & Arran, said, “We are incredibly moved by Olivia and Daniel’s generosity and, on behalf of staff at Ayrshire Maternity Unit, would like to express our sincere thanks.

“Their donation will make a lasting difference to families during what is likely to be the most difficult time in their lives. The memory garden and enhanced bereavement support will provide comfort, dignity, and a space for healing.”

Plans for the memory garden are underway, aiming to create a tranquil environment for parents and families to remember their babies.