Bereaved Haverhill mum plans Clare candlelit memory walk

Natalie Smith and her husband James, who live near Haverhill, lost their baby Quinn in February after a severe infection led to major heart problems. 

Quinn was born a healthy baby in December, but at four and a half weeks she developed a temperature and breathing problems. 

She was admitted to West Suffolk Hospital but was transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital when her heart rate increased and her breathing deteriorated. 

Baby Quinn, who died on February 11 (Image: East Anglia's Children Hospice)

“As soon as we arrived, it was quickly identified that the left hand side of her heart wasn’t working properly," said 32-year-old Natalie. 

“She had a blocked artery and a vegetation on her valve, which meant blood was leaking back into her heart and sometimes into her lungs.

“The doctors said they weren’t hopeful she would make it through the night.

“Then we were told the infection was Group B Strep. The infection had gone straight to her heart, causing serious malfunction.”

Quinn was too small to be operated on or have a transplant, but continued to fight on for another five weeks. She died on February 11. 

Following the devastating loss, Natalie and James have received support from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) in the form of fortnightly counselling sessions and home visits. 

Natalie said: "It’s just nice having an opportunity to talk about Quinn. I find a lot of people are reluctant to mention her, perhaps because they’re worried about upsetting me." 

Now, Natalie wants to offer the same support to other bereaved parents with a candlelit walk at Clare Country Park to mark the end of Baby Loss Awareness Week, which runs from October 9 to 15.

The candlelit walk will take place on Sunday October 15 in Clare Country Park (Image: East Anglia's Children Hospice)

The ‘Wave of Light Walk’ is open to all parents and family members who have experienced something similar and will get underway at 7pm on Sunday.

“We’ve become part of a group no one wants to be in, but it’s comforting to know we’re not alone," Natalie said.

“I want to reach out to other parents to make sure they feel the same and it’s a chance to come together and remember our little ones.

“I believe it’s going to be a lovely way to remember our babies in a beautiful local park and there’s no pressure on anyone to do or say anything.

“It’s an opportunity to have a quiet walk, reflect, remember and, if they want to, meet and connect with others.”

Natalie and James will be bringing pink, blue and white LED candles and biodegradable balloons to release at the end of the walk.

Those interested in taking part should meet at the ‘muddy boot shed’, just past the café on the left, at 6.45pm.