Rhian Morris, a Specialist Bereavement Midwife at Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI) hosted the ‘Butterfly Ball’ on Saturday 14 October.
Hosted during Baby loss Awareness Week, Rhian wanted to use the event not only to fundraise but also to inform.
The award-winning midwife explained how money raised from the event will help enhance services, taking them above and beyond the limitations of the NHS budget.
She said: “I want to thank everybody that contributed to the Butterfly Ball to make the night the huge success that it was. I couldn’t have done this without you all.
“It really was a night to remember.”
In attendance were several representatives from baby loss charities, including 4Louis, JOEL, Lexi Dolls, Aching Arms and Sands Utd South Yorkshire.
These charities support families in a variety of ways following baby loss – from providing memory boxes and dolls to siblings, to offering a community space in which they can process their loss and heal.
Rhian said: “These charities are all amazing, and without the help and support from them we would not be able to do what we do.”
The ball featured an auction which included highly valued winnings such as a beauty hamper valued at over £500, a £125 voucher for a three hour pamper package at Healing Holistic, and a £50 Ted Baker voucher, to name a few.
Guests were welcomed in with tunes from the newly formed Essentially Flutes, part of Doncaster Music Service.
The room was decorated with floral centrepieces donated by local florists.
Several businesses lent their services and support, including IKEA distribution, Ginger Fox Studios who created the invites and programmes and Funky Business who closed the evening with their collection of soul, funk and dance classics.
Speaking about Funky Business, Rhian said: “They got everyone up to finish the night on a high.”
Rhian has gone above and beyond in her efforts to champion baby loss awareness within the region, including completing a 15,000 ft skydive fundraiser and hosting several awareness stands.
Rhian recently received a special recognition award from the Thorne Rural, and Tickhill & District Lions Clubs – groups who voluntarily serve their communities. This was in recognition of her spearheading of the many fundraising efforts, activities and community work conducted to successfully fund a brand new and bespoke bereavement suite for families experiencing baby loss.
Speaking at the opening of the suite, Rhian said: “The Suite will help give the families a more comfortable, private environment to stay in, and give them time to make everlasting memories with their baby. Giving them the time to say hello, whilst saying goodbye.”
To read more about the Serenity Suite, click here.
