Families Donate Privacy Prams to Support Bereaved Parents Across County Durham and Darlington

Two families have made heartfelt donations to County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT), providing privacy prams to support bereaved parents during some of their most difficult moments.

Privacy prams provide a safe and discreet way to transport babies within the hospital, offering dignity, sensitivity and choice to families, including when making journeys to the mortuary.

At Darlington Memorial Hospital, Kylie and Daniel Rushton-Orton donated a privacy pram in memory of their baby daughter, Olivia.

Olivia was born at 25 weeks and six days but sadly passed away just one hour later. During this incredibly difficult time, Kylie and Daniel were cared for in a dedicated bereavement room, supported by specialist staff.

In recognition of the care they received, Kylie’s workplace, Verve, chose 4Louis as their charity of the year for 2025. Through fundraising activities including cake sales, birthday donations and Christmas jumper days, alongside a contribution from the company, they raised £2,000.

Part of these funds were used to donate a privacy pram in Olivia’s memory.

Jenna Goat Specialist Bereavement Midwife at CDDFT said: “We are incredibly grateful to Kylie and Daniel, and to Abigail, for their generosity and for choosing to support other families following the loss of their daughters, Olivia and Ember Marie. These privacy prams will make a meaningful difference, helping us to provide compassionate, respectful care and giving families the time and space they need during such a difficult time.”

At the University Hospital of North Durham, Abigail Spensley has also made a deeply personal donation of a privacy pram to the maternity department.

Abigail experienced the loss of her baby daughter, Ember Marie, on 28 March 2024 at 25 weeks of pregnancy. She was cared for in the hospital’s maternity bereavement suite during this time.

Reflecting on her experience, Abigail shared that having access to a privacy pram would have brought her comfort, allowing her to leave the suite while still keeping her baby close.

In memory of Ember Marie, Abigail made the donation to help other families, offering them greater comfort, dignity and support during their bereavement.

Rich Jones Charity Manager for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Charity added: “We are incredibly grateful to Kylie, Daniel and Abigail for their generosity and courage in supporting other families during such a difficult time. These generous donations will help ensure that families across our hospitals are given greater privacy, choice and compassionate care when they need it most.”