Mums unite to help after baby tragedy

May 19 2009 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Mums unite to help after baby tragedy

MUMS who united in support of parents who tragically lost their newborn son have raised thousands of pounds in his memory.

A group of mums who met at antenatal classes in Almondbury rallied round in support of Megan and Matt Paskin, of Shepley, after their first child, Eddie, died at just two days old.

The tot lost his life last September after complications at birth left him severely brain damaged.

A campaign was set up in his honour to raise cash for St James’s Hospital in Leeds where he was treated before his death.

The campaign looks to have reached its £14,000 target thanks to £3,500 raised at a charity ball, dubbed the Starlight Ball, on Friday night.

Megan, 30, said: “Eddie spent two days on life-support while the doctors and nurses at St James’s did everything they could for him.

“Their hard work, along with equipment bought by the generosity of previous patients’ families, gave my husband and I two wonderful days with our son.

“It will mean so much to us to be able to buy a piece of equipment in Eddie’s name so that other babies and their families might benefit, and so Eddie can leave his mark on the world.”

Megan asked for help from mums-to-be who she met at antenatal classes last July.

She said: “When I e-mailed the girls they straightaway agreed to help me.

“We’ve worked hard over the last few months to make it happen, and I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved.”

She added: “Friday’s event went so well – it was absolutely amazing and very special. The amount we raised was way above what we hoped for and means we have now reached our target, which is fantastic.

“This last seven and half months have been the most challenging of our lives – Matt and I have struggled to get through each day.