The first designs for a new dedicated support hub at Warrington Hospital for families experiencing baby loss or pregnancy after loss have been unveiled.
Warrington and Halton Hospitals’ Charity has already raised more than £140,000 towards its £200,000 Willow Tree Hub appeal, thanks to the incredible support of families, businesses, schools, community groups and fundraisers.
Designed by architects Ellis Williams, the new hub will be located next to the Maternity Department, and will provide a calm and private space away from the busy clinical environment.
It will offer families somewhere they can receive specialist support, spend time together and reflect during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
It will also become home to the hospital’s Rainbow Clinic, which supports families through pregnancy after loss, providing specialist monitoring and emotional support to help parents feel reassured and cared for throughout their pregnancy.
Consultant midwife Sarah Nuttie said: “Seeing the first designs for the Willow Tree Hub makes the vision we have had for this space feel much more real.
“The hub will provide families with somewhere calm, private and supportive at a time when they may be feeling incredibly vulnerable. It will give families the opportunity to receive specialist support away from the busy clinical environment and have a space where they can spend time together.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported the appeal so far. Every donation and fundraising event is helping us get closer to our £200,000 target.”
The Willow Tree Hub will include private rooms for counselling and support, as well as a peaceful outdoor garden with wildflowers and quiet seating areas where families can spend time, remember their baby and reflect.
The appeal has been supported by a range of fundraising activities, from marathons and football matches to golf days, Everest Base Camp challenges and the hospital’s Butterfly Team 250,000-step challenge.
The McGuire family’s Beer Festival and Bangor to Beni fundraisers have also raised significant amounts for the appeal, while Buckley Street Independent Methodist Church donated £65,227 following the closure of the church.
Another recent highlight was A Celebration of Hope at Parr Hall, where hundreds of children from 13 Catholic primary schools across Warrington came together to perform to an audience of around 600 people. The event raised £6,633 for the Willow Tree Hub Appeal.
With £143,000 raised so far, WHH Charity is continuing to raise funds towards its £200,000 target to make the Willow Tree Hub a reality.
Thank you to everyone who has supported the appeal so far. Every donation, fundraiser and act of support is helping to create a dedicated space where families can receive the care, compassion and support they deserve.
To support the Willow Tree Hub Appeal, visit the JustGiving page to make a donation. For more information, contact the WHH Charity Fundraising Team on 01925 662666 or email whh.charity@nhs.net
