A Blackburn mum has made a heartfelt donation to Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital in memory of her son, Harris, who tragically passed away at the age of seven.
Laura Whittle and her two daughters, Jasmine and Sophia, wanted to do something to support other grieving families and fundraised for a cuddle blanket and memory boxes.
They include teddy bears and other comforting items and will be given to children who lose a loved one while in hospital. Memory boxes are something that Laura, Jasmine and Sophia have said still continue to provide comfort to them after Harris died of a sudden asthma attack in September 2023.
Laura said: “The boxes mean absolutely everything to us. They are little gifts that will bring a lifetime of comfort in grieving families' darkest hours. We still use ours, so we personally know how much they can help.
“We will continue to fundraise to provide hospitals with cuddle cots, blankets and memory boxes in memory of our beautiful Harris, who is forever seven, so his name and legacy will outlive us all.”
The boxes were presented to Joanne Gaskell, End of Life and Bereavement Clinical Lead Nurse at East Lancashire Hospitals Trust.
She said: “Memory boxes play a vital role in supporting families who are grieving, especially children who are often unable to fully understand their emotions.
“The memory boxes donated by Laura and her family will bring comfort to many and we’re incredibly grateful for their generosity.”
It is not the first donation Laura and her daughters have made in memory of Harris. They previously donated a cuddle blanket, which is a special cooling blanket designed to allow families to spend more time with their child after death, offering more time to grieve before saying goodbye.
The family donated the cuddle blanket to the Emergency Department at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital, alongside Bob and Tracey McGurrell, who are Chief Executives of the charity 4Louis.
Laura said: “Harris always helped children out at school, he was known for looking after his friends who were struggling or not feeling well. He truly had a heart of pure gold and it is why we wish to continue his legacy in helping other people.
“We plan on placing cuddle blankets all over the UK, not just locally. We have Scotland, Wales and Ireland in mind so Harris’ name and memory will be all over the UK.”
Their ongoing fundraising efforts will help to ensure families locally and across the UK are provided with a lasting memory and comfort when facing profound loss.