Bonnie’s legacy lives on through gift to Maternity bereavement care at Southend Hospital

In early 2024, Talya and Chris Jackson were preparing to welcome their baby daughter into the world. After experiencing the loss of two pregnancies in 2022 and 2023, additional appointments and scans throughout the pregnancy provided the reassurance they both needed. In February a final 36-week growth scan showed a healthy baby girl in the final weeks of pregnancy.

However, devastatingly, at 37 weeks and five days, Talya noticed a significant reduction in movement and attended Southend’s maternity unit for assessment. With Chris driving home from work and her mum by Talya’s side, scans confirmed the unimaginable news that their daughter’s heartbeat could no longer be detected.

Supported by Southend Hospital’s maternity bereavement team, Talya and Chris gave birth to Bonnie Elizabeth Rose Jackson in the Butterfly maternity bereavement suite.

Despite their heartbreak, they chose to celebrate Bonnie’s arrival. Their rainbow baby after two previous losses, Bonnie was surrounded by love from the moment she was born.

With the care of the Butterfly Suite team, Talya and Chris spent seven precious days with Bonnie; creating memories, giving Bonnie her first bath and introducing her to close family members.

Talya said: “In those first hours and days, the Butterfly Suite gave us the confidence to celebrate Bonnie’s birth. One of the most vital items that allowed us precious time with Bonnie was a cooling cot, which had been donated by other parents in memory of their baby boy. Without the specialist cot, we’d never have had those precious days with Bonnie.”

Inspired by the heart-warming service they received and the precious time they were given with Bonnie, Talya and Chris have donated a cooling cot to the Butterfly Suite through baby loss charity Abigail’s Footsteps, helping other bereaved families create lasting memories with their babies.

Since experiencing their first loss in 2022, Talya and Chris have discovered a network of charities, support groups and counselling services that continue to help them navigate life after baby loss.

Having experienced multiple baby loss at different pregnancy stages, they have dedicated themselves to helping other families. Together, through half marathons, quiz nights and auctions they have now raised more than £25,000 in Bonnie’s memory. Their fundraising continues to support a wide range of charities and organisations that have, and continue to support them through baby loss.

Faye Bailey, Individual Giving Manager for Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity, said: “Talya and Chris’ strength and generosity following the loss of their daughter Bonnie will help so many parents in the heartbreaking reality of losing a baby. We are beyond grateful for this gift, which will help families make the most of every precious moment with their babies.

Bonnie’s legacy will touch the lives of countless families at Southend Hospital for many years to come.”