Father's fundraising campaign for New Cross after stillbirth tragedy
A man who tragically lost his baby girl at birth is hoping to raise thousands of pounds to say thank you to the staff who helped him through the ordeal.
Joe Randall lost his daughter Jess three years ago.
But despite being a stillborn, Jess was allowed to be with her parents for four days through the use of a cuddle cot.
The cots is used for stillborns and late miscarriages, keeping babies cool for longer and slowing the decomposition process, meaning parents can properly say goodbye.
They are used in a Moses basket and Mr Randall said the process was a great comfort to him.
"Cuddle cots can help parents so much," the 29-year-old said.
"It's a cooling system that keeps the baby at the right temperate and it meant we could be with Jess for longer - she was born on a Thursday and we had her until the following Monday."
Cuddle cots cost £1,500 and Mr Randall is hoping to raise double that amount so that New Cross Hospital - where Jess passed away - can buy two.
To that end he is undertaking a mammoth 27-mile mile walk from Birmingham Women's Hospital to New Cross in Wolverhampton next month.
Starting at 9am, Mr Randall and some 16 friends will walk through Selly Oak, Birmingham, Aston, Walsall and Bloxwich in a trek expected to take nine hours.
So far he has raised £750 towards his fundraising target, which was initially £1,500.
Mr Randall paid tribute to his fellow supporters, and the New Cross Hospital staff.
He said: "In such tragic circumstances the staff were fantastic.
"They were brilliant and offered great support.
"Our target was £1,500 but hopefully we can double that and raise a lot of money.
"I want to change people who will be in my situation in the future."
Mr Randall, originally from Birmingham, also thanked Roy Quinton Funeral Directors for a donation of £100.
Visit www.justgiving.com/journey-for-jess to donate.
