Mum launches mercy project

A MOTHER-of-two has launched a project to fund a bereavement midwife at Warrington Hospital for families who tragically lose babies through late miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death.
Gemma Antell, aged 26, from Oakwood, is doing a bungee jump on April 10 to raise £1,000 towards the project.
She is hoping local people, businesses or organisations will sponsor her.
Gemma lost a baby herself, before her children Lily, 4 and Lincoln, 2, arrived, so she knows the anguish families can suffer.
When she looked for support she found the national online charity Life After Loss.
“It was an absolute lifeline for me, especially when I fell pregnant again and was so scared.
“But eventually I found myself in a situation where I could offer support to others further down the line.
“Now I feel so strongly and passionately about the cause I want to see big changes in the way families are dealt with following infant loss.
“I want to help people in my own community and I want my town to set the standard of care that everybody else aspires to. That is why I started the project and am working so hard so victims of pregnancy and infant loss in Warrington can have a slightly more bearable experience
“It is tragic enough without the feeling that you are being ignored or not cared for properly.”
Gemma works – without pay – for Life after Loss and on her project for a bereavement midwife. She spends each day meeting hospital staff, victims of loss, various other people and organisations, answering emails, attending events and giving online support.
After her bungee jump she is planning a children’s treasure trail during the summer to allow families to come together, remember their children in a positive way and also make money for the project.
Anyone wanting to sponsor Gemma can do so at www.justgiving.com/Gemma-Antell and more details of the charity can be found at www.lifeafterloss.org.uk
Pictured: Gemma busy on fundraising duties