A couple whose baby son died tragically from a rare infection at eight days spoke of their pain as they thanked nurses and midwives who supported the family.
Jodie Picknett, 37, and her husband Ben, 41, suffered the “darkest time in our lives” following little George’s birth at Epsom Hospital.
Shortly afterwards, he was treated for jaundice after suddenly falling unwell and lethargic.
George deteriorated and despite the incredible efforts of neonatal nurses, he sadly passed away in the special care baby unit in April 2023.
A post-mortem revealed the infant contracted severe enterovirus, which is generally mild for most people but, in rare cases, fatal in newborns.
Mrs Picknett, from Tadworth in Surrey, is now raising funds so the hospital’s maternity bereavement team can continue its specialist work.
She said: “We think about our son every day – he is part of everything we do.
“We will never get to see George reach milestones like taking his first steps, saying his first words, or starting school.
“That loss is felt every day. So being able to say his name and honour his memory publicly is incredibly important to us.”
She added: “After George died, the bereavement team helped guide us through the darkest time in our lives with empathy and respect.
“By fundraising, we hope to help the team continue their vital work, ensuring more families receive the same compassionate, specialist care that we did.”
Lydia Baker, a leading bereavement midwife, helped the Picknetts through their most traumatic time, liaising with the coroner and funeral directors.
Funds from Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity provide hand, foot and full 3D “memory casts” for bereaved families that can be treasured forever.
People can also donate a ribbon which will form a touching display at their local church.
For Mr and Mrs Picknett, Epsom Hospital holds a special connection for them – their daughter Alice was born there in August 2021 and their third child Lucy in May this year.
Molly Simpson, head of charity and fundraising at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity, said: “Losing a baby is devastating for any family and we are very proud to support the teams who help them through their grief.
“We’re grateful to Jodie and her husband Ben for sharing such a personal story and know it will inspire others to give what they can – your generosity will mean our exceptional teams can continue to support bereaved parents when they need it most.”
Readers can donate via Jodie and Ben Picknett’s Just Giving page.
