WATCH: Inverness mum of baby who tragically died in his sleep wins Highland Heroes award after raising awareness for baby loss charity
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A mother grieving an unimaginable losshas won a Highland Heroes award after she became determined to keep her son's legacy alive after an unexpected tragedy robbed her family of a brother and son.
Inverness mum Daisy McKenzie and husband Eoin were delighted to welcome their newborn son, Albie, into the world on April 13, 2022.
Daisy described Albie as a 'happy little boy' that enjoyed spending time with his brother's and making everyone laugh.
She said: "Albie was a dream baby, big eyes of wonder and a smile for everyone.
"He would always get excited when he saw buses and farm animals which brought joy to us all."
A fortnight after Albie's first birthday, the unthinkable turned the McKenzies' world upside down.
On April 27, 2023, Albie tragically died in his sleepdue to sudden unexpected infant death (SUID).
Since bearing the loss of losing her youngest son, Daisy has immersed herself into fundraising to keep Albie's memory alive, in addition to raising as much funds and awareness for the baby loss charity, Held In Our Hearts.
In aid of this, Daisy won the Highland Heroes fundraiser of the year award for all her dedication to those grieving the unimaginable.
When winning the award, Daisy said: "I'm feeling absolutely amazing, but I didn't expect it at all after reading the stories of all the other nominees.
"All the finalists were incredible, so it is just an honour to even be nominated, let alone win an award!"
When talking about her motivation to continue fundraising, Daisy said: "It gives me a way of actively loving Albie by directing my love into something.
"If I am feeling sad one day then I will often plan something to remember Albie.
"If he was here then I would usually be giving him a bath or serving him his dinner, but because he's not here I organise events in his memory.
"By doing that, I feel like I am still parenting Albie, but in a different way."
So far Daisy has raised an incredible £44,000 for Held in Our Hearts through numerous fundraising events in and around Inverness.
She plans to continue on her mission to fundraise and spread as much awareness as possible for Held In Our Hearts.
"By doing that, I feel like I am still parenting Albie, but in a different way."
From Albie's grandad hosting a ceilidh to a quiz night on Albie's birthday to honour a year since his passing.
Daisy is eager to raise awareness for those mourning the death of a child and help raise funds for the charity's Highland branch.
The fundraiser of the year award was sponsored by Sharon Leon.
