'Cooling cot gave us memories with our son'

An expectant mother who lost her son 22 weeks into her pregnancy is raising funds to buy a special cot which allows parents in similar situations to spend a few precious moments with their child.

Ashley Waugh, 34, was due to give birth to her first child Benjamin on 2 March, but a scan revealed he had died.

After he was delivered, she and her partner Rhys, from Longframlington in Northumberland, were taken to a refrigerated unit called a cooling cot to spend some time with Benjamin.

Nursing assistant Ashley is now raising money for a second cot at the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington so more families can have the same opportunity.

Ashley said she had been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome aged 24 and therefore had struggled to conceive.

The couple, who have been together for more than 14 years, were actively exploring IVF options when they found out about Benjamin.

"It was incredible timing," she said.

There were no issues with her pregnancy until they were told of concerns about Benjamin's size at the 20-week scan.

Two weeks later, they received the news their son had died.

After delivering Benjamin, the couple were taken to The Willow Room at the hospital which has a cooling cot.

"I don't think we would have had long with Benjamin without one," Ashley said.

"That cot has given us all our memories and photos that we've got."

Although Cramlington has one cot, Ashley said it needs another just in case there are multiple families wanting to use it at the same time.

So, as Benjamin's due date approaches, she is raising money for a second unit.

"We did leave the usual chocolates for the staff," she explained, "but I said I want to give something that lasts, like other people can use or get help from.

"I thought time is something you can't buy someone."

She is hoping to raise £3,000 for the cot which will be made and maintained by the charity Abigail's Footsteps.

Through the fundraiser, Ashley has got in contact with the woman who used the Willow Room the day before she did.

"All it would have taken is me to arrive a few hours earlie,r we would have both been in the same maternity unit, wanting to use the same piece of equipment," she said.

"It allows that sort of freedom a little bit more, you're not rushed to say goodbye."

Ashley said so far the majority of the donations have been from local people which has made her realise how many people have gone through a similar experience.

"It's heartbreaking to read, but at the same time you feel less isolated," she said.

"It's helping me, I feel like I'm doing something proactive for Benjamin as well in his memory."

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