Babies who spent Easter in the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Great Western Hospital received a very special Easter present thanks to Oscar’s Fund. The charity has donated 20 Easter packages containing everything parents will need to prepare for their new arrivals first day at home.
St John’s student Emily Palmer, aged 18 and from Marlborough, set up the fund in memory of Oscar Angus Rennie, who was stillborn in July 2014. He was the twin brother to Claudia Rennie.
The charitable fund supports families with babies, hospital wards and charities that help families during difficult times.
Emily started assembling the 20 packages in the New Year. Each one contained up to £150 worth of baby essentials to support the parents and newborns, including brand new swaddles, clothing and bottles. The packs also contain items for mums and dads to enjoy including soaps, tea bags and fudge – and an Easter card.
The packages were sponsored by many local companies, which were all touched by the cause.
And following an incredibly successful auction throughout March, Emily has also donated over £2,000 to GWH’s Brighter Futures fund for the hospital’s planned Radiotherapy Unit – in memory of Oscar.
Emily Palmer said: “I am very lucky to be in a position where I can support both the SCBU and the new radiotherapy unit, two places very close to my heart. I am incredibly grateful for all the support we have had from local families in the auction and all the businesses who supported the packages.”
There is more about Oscar’s Fund on its website.
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