Maggie’s Stillbirth Legacy Fundraising Gala
On the 18th of June, The Alty Funeral Service were happy to attend Maggie’s Stillbirth Legacy Fundraising Gala.
In 2015, Sarah Bernasconi-Parsons lost her daughter, Maggie, when she was 39 weeks pregnant. For the last 7 years Sarah has made it her mission to help other bereaving parents of stillborn babies, by raising money for ‘Cuddle Cots.’ A Cuddle Cot, also known as a Cold Cot, is a portable device that keeps the body cool to preserve it, so parents can spend more time with their child.
Sarah and her team of fundraisers have donated to several hospitals, funeral homes, a children’s hospice and other charities. They raise money through the Facebook group, Maggie’s Stillbirth Legacy …. Fundraising Page, where goods are donated for auction to raise money for the charity. You’ll find on their page: household items, toys and games, garden accessories, and so much more.
Sarah commented, “We accept donations from both local people and large companies. We also use some of the funds generated to buy more goods for auction. Our team work tirelessly buying, collecting, sorting, storing, cleaning, shipping and delivering all these goods daily.”
Maggie’s Stillbirth Legacy have since raised enough money to buy an array of necessities for grieving parents, which include: Cold Cots, Wipe Clean Moses Baskets, Cuddle Blankets, Angel Gowns and Hats, and Memory Boxes.
Maggie’s Stillbirth Legacy Fundraiser Gala was organised to raise enough funds for a Cold Blanket at RBH, with the blankets costing £5,000 each. A Cold Blanket can preserve the body for three days, for children up to the age of eighteen.
The fundraiser invited guests onto a red carpet. It also included a three course meal, as well as a night full of entertainment with a magician, band, DJ, photo booth, and a professional photographer. Guests gathered to raise funds and celebrate the charity’s efforts that have helped so many families with pregnancy, baby and child loss.
In 2021, Maggie’s Stillbirth Legacy won the Pride of Britain award for Regional Fundraiser Winner in 2021.
Our relationship with Maggie’s Stillbirth Legacy started when Sarah donated her Cuddle Cot to The Alty Funeral Service in 2017 for other families to use at our service. Maggie’s stillbirth legacy continues through Sarah’s effort.
Donate or purchase goods: Maggie’s Stillbirth Legacy Fundraising Page
Website: Maggie’s Stillbirth Legacy
