Biggleswade couple raising money for 4Louis in memory of their baby boy

Katie Slender, 37, and her partner Chris Walker, 29, went for a 20 week scan and gender reveal on January 9 but were devastated when they found out that their little baby had no heartbeat.

The couple were put in touch with the team at 4Louis, which supports families through miscarriage, stillbirth and childloss, and were given a special memory box to treasure forever.

Katie, who named their baby Harry after her 101-year-old grandfather, said: “The reason for us sharing our story is to raise awareness, to get people talking more about baby loss, whether that be miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death.

“Unfortunately, we all know parents who have suffered this devastation, and I know people find it hard to navigate around what to say or do. I want people to know it’s OK to ask us about our angel babies.

“And I want to help bring love, light and hope to those like myself and Chris. Harry was a gift to us and this is all in memory of him. We will hold him in our hearts forever.”

Katie and Chris have been trying for a baby for the past five years, and suffered a missed miscarriage in September 2019. Katie had previously had a missed miscarriage in 2012 too.

However, in August 2020 they were “nervous, but happy” when Katie fell pregnant, and after a healthy 16-week scan, the couple relaxed and Katie was able to show her beautiful bump off, feeling “so blessed”.

But sadly, it wasn’t to be.

The day after they received the heartbreaking news at the 20 week scan, the couple went to The Rosie Delivery Unit Cambridge where Katie was induced, and Harry was born at 7.43am on January 12.

Katie said: “I remember the rain was hitting the window, and it was silent, quiet.

“Our midwife who we had got close to had been back on shift with us, whilst I was in labour and then she delivered Harry. She was just amazing.

“Because Harry had been born early, we had decided to have him wrapped up in a little cloak in the basket before I held him. This meant we were able to get comfortable and then enjoy our cuddles with him. These are moments we will both treasure forever.”

Katie and Chris were “blown away” by the care that they received at the hospital, and were visited by a chaplain who blessed Harry, as well as a bereavement midwife, who gave advice about what would happen next, how to comfort Katie’s ten-year-old daughter Martha, and which charities would be of help.

4Louis provided the couple with a beautiful memory box, containing a little book, a crystal angel, forget-me-not seeds, Harry’s little Certificate of Life, Harry’s footprints in a card, a small teddy - Harry had the same one in his basket - and a little blanket ; Harry had the same one on him.

Katie said: “This meant we had a part of Harry to take home; it helped turn complete darkness into a little bit of light. And until now we never knew these little boxes of love even existed.

But they do. And they make a huge difference to parents like us.”

Katie and Chris are now fundraising for 4Louis and would like to thank everyone who has donated so far.

Katie is also setting up a donation drive for blankets and other knitted items for still born and premature babies.

Looking to the future, she added: “Unfortunately in most cases you have to have had three miscarriges before you are able to be under a consultant.

“This was my third loss so hopefully we will be under the hospital and looked after throughout our next pregnancy.”

To offer Katie blankets/knitted donations, contact: [email protected]

To donate: gf.me/u/zhjpzfFacebook: @hugsfromharry