'Cuddle Cots' donated to maternity unit at South West Acute Hospital

by Gráinne Connolly

The maternity unit at South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen has received generous donations of two 'Cuddle Cots'. 

A cuddle cot is a cooling system that can be placed into cribs and moses baskets of babies who suffered a stillbirth or neonatal death. 

In the past, when a baby has died at birth, parents only had a few hours to spare with their babies.

However, this cooling system allows the family to spend more time with their baby and even take it home for some time. 

One of the cuddle cots were donated by Emma Stewart from Omagh Stillbirth and Neonatal Deaths Charity. 

Emma, who lost her baby boy 9 years ago, donated the cuddle cot on behalf of Clare and Robert Stewart, who lost their daughter Clara-Rose. 

£5,000 was raised through sponsored events such as a golf day, raffles and an auction around the Omagh area.

Clare and Robert also applied for a charity grant from Santander who matched the £5,000, making their total £10,000. 

With the money they bought three cuddle cots, donating one to Enniskillen and the remaining two cots to Craigavon Area Hospital. 

Keith and Patricia McGough from Belleek donated the second cuddle cot. 

They lost their son Óran, who was a twin to his 2 year old sister Áoibhe. 

Keith and Patricia began fundraising two years ago, shortly after the death of Óran. 

They participated in two raoad races, one in Keith's hometown of Galway and one in Trillick.