Tragedy leads to family fundraiser

Sion and Karen Legg were eagerly anticipating the birth of their first much-wanted baby, but despite a plain-sailing pregnancy, the birth was hit by difficulties.

“There were complications during labour and I had to have an emergency c-section under general anaesthetic,” explained Karen, 37, of Eastwood Close.

“After the birth, my baby was taken straight to the Neo-Natal Unit within City Hospital and put on life support.

“I don’t remember much about that time except being told I had a baby girl.”

The couple, who have been married eight years, had been trying for a baby for sometime and was delighted when Karen finally fell pregnant but their happiness turned to heartbreak.

“We named her Alyssa Rose and she died a week after the birth but the hospital were a wonderful support to us both at a very difficult time,” added Sion.

During the week spent in the neo-natal unit, the nursing professionals encouraged the couple to take photographs of Alyssa and even enabled them to admit a friend who took a cast of her hand and foot as a keepsake for the couple.

“Although the hospital couldn’t save our baby they were brilliant in supporting us when we couldn’t function properly,” added Karen. “We now have more pictures of our baby than most people would have after six months.

This has helped us with our grief as it has given us precious memories to treasure.”

The couple, together with their friends and family, have now organised a Family Fun Day to raise money for the City Hospital’s Neo-Natal Unit.

The event will take place on Sunday 3rd November at the British Legion Club on Beardall Street from 12-6pm.

“There will be lots of activities taking place including a raffle with prizes donated from many local businesses who have been very generous,” said friend, Janie Rudd- Burrows, who together with Rachael Woolley have helped put the day together.

“There will also be a tombola, many stalls, face painting, makeovers and a disco.”

All money raised on the day will buy a much-needed piece of equipment for the unit in memory of Alyssa.

Karen added: “It’s our way of thanking the unit for their wonderful support.”

For more information visit Facebook ‘Remembering Alyssa Rose’.