Parents of stillborn baby praise Hereford hospital for "fantastic" care

Abigail, 31, and Chey Hooper-West, 38, lost their baby boy Magnus in birth at 38 weeks on September 21.

He was an IVF baby, a successful third attempt, as sadly the first two attempts had ended in miscarriage.

The expectation was that Magnus would be born in a matter of days, and it was only when his movement became reduced that Abbie visited Hereford County Hospital.

This was when the couple found their baby had no heartbeat.

Abbie went into labour that night and gave birth to Magnus two days later with Chey by her side.

“The team at Hereford were amazing and their support, compassion and reassurance enabled Magnus to be born as planned,” said Abbie.

“He was born at Hereford County Hospital where we received the most fantastic care.

“They were so empathetic.”

The Blossom Suite at Hereford County Hospital provided a safe haven for the family to be together for 48 hours; this is something not all hospitals can provide.

Abbie and Chey spent the night with Magnus in a special room at Hereford County Hospital.

Abbie, Chey, godparents and members of their extended family both welcomed into the world and bid a final goodbye to Magnus.

“All the staff were so unbelievable and kind.

“They were incredible considering the circumstances.”

Photos, a lock of hair, and prints of his hands and feet were taken, and he was dressed in the outfit he was supposed to be leaving the hospital in.

Magnus' foot and hand prints taken after he was born.

“Many of the midwives asked to come and meet Magnus even though they knew he was sleeping, which was a comfort to us, it meant he mattered,” said Abbie.

The aftercare the family received was treated as if Magnus had survived.

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Staff from the hospital also put them in touch with the local SANDS - the stillbirth and neonatal death charity – group where they met other parents who had gone through the same experience.

Now the couple and 16 others are running the Cardiff half marathon on mothering Sunday (March 27) to raise money for SANDS, alongside NHS midwives, and the bereavement team from Hereford hospital who have helped Abbie and Chey in this very difficult time.

Team Magnus hope they will raise £5,000 for SANDS, so Magnus’ life will not only be remembered and celebrated but provide support for families who tragically find themselves in this situation.

“Magnus was given his name meaning ‘greatest’ before he was born. He truly was the greatest gift, sadly taken too soon,” said Abbie.

You can donate to their just giving page here.