Cuddle cuts donated to Raigmore Hospital by brave Alness couple who lost their own daughter after she was born prematurely
A COUPLE who have shown exceptional bravery in light of personal tragedy donated two cuddle cots to Raigmore Hospital this week.
Charlie Vass (31) and partner James Gordon (33) from Alness raised more than £7000 to give bereaved parents the opportunity to spend time with their babies with the use of specialist cradles.
By chance, the day of the donation to the maternity unit, coincided with the day Ms Vass was due to give birth to their first daughter.
The couple, lost their daughter Amelia after she was born prematurely at 20 weeks on June 27 2019. The couple have two boys, and a step son.
Ms Vass said having the use of the cot for 13-and-a-half hours after their daughter was born allowed them to create memories.
She said: “We were able to hold our baby, take photographs and make footprints. It was heartbreaking to be in the situation, but staff in Raigmore went out of their way to do everything they could to give us time with Amelia. They even searched the hospital for paints so we could make a canvas of all our hand prints together.
“Every single minute was precious.”
A cuddle cot has a device which pumps cold water into a pad that is positioned inside the cot to prevent baby’s skin from deteriorating. It helps to slow down the process of appearance changes after death.
Along with the cuddle cut, Ms Vass and Mr Gordon have gifted basket cradles, bedding and soft toys that can be taken home.
