A north couple, who lost their baby just after he was born a week ago, are fundraising for a charity which helps support other families dealing with the same loss.
Donna Murray and Lee Schofield’s newborn son, Robert, died due to health complications at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.
Almost immediately, the Carrbridge couple were told by a close friend about a group called Angel Wings Forever Dressed in Love, which provides clothes, gowns, shawls, teddies and candles for babies who die prematurely.
Mr Schofield, who runs a Highlands and Islands Weather social network page, informed his 61,000 followers of the reason for his absence.
Thereafter, more than £3,600 was raised in the space of 24 hours.
The 42-year-old told The Press and Journal that the past week had been “devastating” for the family and added: “Our four-year-old daughter, Alison, said she was looking forward to having a brother or sister – she understands what is going on.
“It’s so black and white with her and she says it will be okay because she’ll have a baby brother or sister again.
“I just wish it was so easy for grown-ups. You don’t prepare for something like this happening and the effect it has on everyone.
“The people in the village are fantastic and we have so many good friends helping us out. The people are amazing in this part of the world.
“Our friend did all of the organising with the Angel Wings and we thought we would like to do some fundraising, but we can’t believe how much money has been raised. We would like to thank everyone who has donated.”
A total of £1,600 of the money raised has already been used to pay for a “cold cot” for baby Robert, which will give more time to allow relatives to visit him.
This will be kept at Brora funeral directors G and R Sutherland, where a plaque will also be fixed on the wall in Robert’s memory.
The rest of the funds will be used to pay for more cold cots and for packs sent out by volunteers containing clothes that can be used to dress babies for funeral purposes.
Miss Murray, 29, is originally from Rogart and Mr Schofield is from Skipton in Yorkshire, and the couple have been living in Carrbridge for the past two years.
He is also planning a ceilidh in Carrbridge village hall next month to help raise more funds for the group.
Anyone who wishes to donate should visit
https://www.gofundme.com/2au7pexv
