A Narberth couple walking the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path in memory of their stillborn daughter Bluebell have said that they have been ‘overwhelmed’ by the ‘generosity and kindness’ shown in helping them fundraise for a cause close to their hearts.

Gemma Beere and Kite Harrison lost their daughter Bluebell in September and decided to do something special in her memory and raise money for the charity 4Louis which supports bereaved parents, and also a planned new bereavement suite at Glangwilli Hospital in Carmarthen.

Explained Gemma: “Kite and I were at a wedding when I fell ill and I was rushed to Glangwilli hospital with suspected internal bleeding.

“On arrival, we were told the devastating news that our baby’s heart had stopped beating and that they needed to do an emergency c-section, which eventually led to the discovery of a ruptured splenic artery aneurysm.

“I lost 10 litres of blood and owe my life to the fantastic surgeons and team on duty that night. The midwives looked after Kite so well during this time, and he feels so immensely grateful for them.

“I spent four days in intensive care, then a week on a vascular ward. During this time, we were able to spend some time with our daughter, although as I was so ill, we were not able to make as many lasting memories as we would have liked, in this situation.

“On leaving the hospital, we were given a memory box containing photos, footprints, a lock of Bluebell’s hair and lots of other lovely things.

“This box has become our most treasured possession and has helped so much in our grieving.”

Gemma continued: “We would like to raise as much money as possible for 4Louis and also the new bereavement suite at Glangwilli Hospital.

“4Louis provide hospitals across the UK with memory boxes, moses baskets, photography equipment and cuddle cots (cold cots) which allow parents to spend up to 72 hours with their babies.

“A bereavement suite is a private area for parents in the hospital, where they can make memories and have space and time to grieve, rather than being on a delivery ward with other mums celebrating their new babies.

“Glangwilli Hospital is planning to build a bereavement suite and we would like to contribute to this.” 

On Saturday, May 20, the couple began walking the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park trail, covering 180 miles in 14 days, camping along the way, joined by a few of their friends and family along the way.

So far, the couple have raised £2,310 through ‘Bluebell’s Footprints’ for their causes, already surpassing their initial fundraising target of £2,000.

“Half-way through our walk and we are feeling overwhelmed by the generosity, warmth and kindness people have shown us,” Gemma commented along their journey, which is due to be completed in St. Dogmaels today (Friday).

“We have had sweltering hot days and soaking wet ones too. Kite’s shoulders are sore from carrying the ‘lion’s share’ of our stuff, I have blisters on both my feet and we both got a bit sunburnt.

“Just when we think we couldn’t walk another mile, our daily finish line appears on the horizon. We are still smiling and we are sure our beautiful Bluebell is smiling with us!” she added.

You can view Gemma and Kite’s story and donate at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gemma-beere