A Ross-on-Wye based charity, Rocky Lee’s Little Feet, have some big plans for 2016. The charity, which offers support to parents who have experienced a stillbirth, was founded by Sian and Martin Coopey in June 2013, after their precious son, Rocky Lee, was stillborn.

Sian has set her sights on some large tasks this year; to provide a delivery suite and bereavement room at Hereford Hospital, for parents to have a private space, when going through a miscarriage or stillbirth.

Sian explained that at present, parents who go in to the hospital, expecting to give birth to a stillborn baby, have to give birth in the maternity ward, along with all the other parents and families giving birth to healthy babies.

Sian explained that while the delivery suite will be in the same area of the hospital, it will be a separate room, which will give parents the chance to be separate from these other families, and give them a private, calming space to disengage from what is going on around them. Sian and the team at Rocky Lee’s Little Feet plan to completely refurbish the room, to make it more comfortable. Medical equipment can be wheeled in and out if it is needed, but it is hoped that the room will look cosy, and more like a home from home, rather than a clinical delivery suite.

Another big plan in the works at?Rocky Lee’s Little Feet is for a bereavement suite. Sian explained that this will have to be built, and at the moment, they are waiting for cost estimates. Sian and the team will be completely involved with the construction of this bereavement suite, including the design of it.

Sian told the Gazette that Hereford Hospital desperately need this facility. Once built, this will be a separate building from the maternity ward, so it will have its own entrance and exit. Parents and families will be able to use the bereavement suite for as long as they need. Although Sian said this idea is more likely to come to fruition in 2017, work is being done this year in preparation for it.

Rocky Lee’s Little Feet have been working closely with Hereford Hospital since the charity was founded. Sian told the Gazette that they have recently purchased a piece of equipment called a CuddleCot, which has been internationally recognised across the world as a device which significantly helps parents who have suffered the loss of a baby.

In a warm room the baby’s condition can deteriorate quickly, therefore cooling the baby is absolutely essential. The CuddleCot cools the baby in situ, which allows the baby to remain with the family, thereby providing them the time they want. Rocky Lee’s Little Feet have also purchased a digital camera, for midwives to take photographs of parents with their babies; this photograph is likely to be the only momento the parents ever have.

The charity have some local fundraising events coming up, to help pay for some of these big plans. On February 27th, there will be a Wedding Fayre at Orles Barn. On July 16th, there will be a Fire Walk at the Hope and Anchor.

For more details about Rocky Lee’s Little Feet, visit the website: www.rockyleeslittlefeet.co.uk