A TIVYSIDE charity which helps grieving parents cope with the loss of a baby has handed over a Cuddle Cot to a Cardigan funeral director.

Cariad Angel Gowns (for stillborn and neonatal loss) is based in Beulah and is aiming to provide ‘Cuddle Cots’ to hospitals and funeral homes so that all bereaved parents of babies have the opportunity to use one, and to also provide bespoke burial clothing for the baby and memory packs.

A cuddle cot is a refrigerated unit used along with a Moses Basket and gives grieving parents valuable time to spend with their baby, sometimes in their own home.

One of the cots has now been presented to funeral director Colin Phillips at Morgan Street.

The cots cost around £1,600 and this one was funded by people in Cardigan supporting the charity through the Tesco ‘Bags of Help’ scheme.

The charity’s founder Pauline Harris said: “Other funeral directors within a 30 to 50 mile radius can also offer the use of this cot to bereaved parents.

“These precious hours allow parents and their family time to bathe and dress their child if they wish. Time to take photographs, make hand and footprint impressions and lasting memories before they have to arrange a funeral and say final goodbyes. A cuddle cot is a vital piece of equipment at the most difficult of times.”

Present at the handover was Sam Robbins from Aberporth and her 10-week old daughter Rosie. Sam lost twins Lilly May and Gracie Llyn back in 2006 and this particular cuddle cot was dedicated to their memory.

“I lost my twin girls when they were two hours old and they passed away in my arms. It was horrific and words cannot describe how you feel,” said Sam.

“I think for parents to have the chance of using this cot is amazing and will help to keep alive the memories of their babies. There was nothing like this for me and I was very limited in the amount of time I got to spend with the girls.”

Angela Sacco, a trustee with the charity, said: "This Cuddle Cot gives parents and families in the area a choice, one that Sam was never given.

I believe that everyone should have the same opportunity, and although it may not be for everyone, being denied the use of a cuddle cot because one isn't available leaves no choice at all."

Funeral director Lowri Evans said: “As a mother myself, I know how important something like this could be to parents and will hopefully provide them with comfort at such a difficult time.”

Cariad Angel Gowns also turns donated wedding dresses into gowns for stillborn babies along with memory packs which contain not only the outfit, but also a knitted blanket, bonnet, bootees, a nappy cover and a small teddy.

Keepsake memory items of a small handcrafted angel baby figure, and matching key-ring and bag charm are also included, and in memory pocket packs for babies too small to dress and those under 24 weeks gestation, there is a certificate of life.

More sewing and knitting volunteers are still needed to help make the angel outfits and memory packs. Contact cariadan@cariadangelgowns.org.uk