A COUPLE whose baby girl was born sleeping have raised £9,187 in her memory to help other expectant parents.

Dan and Nicky Kunc, from Cannington, donated the money towards the Rowan Suite at Musgrove Park Hospital, in Taunton.

They were inspired by the memory of their daughter Lydia, who was born sleeping at 34 weeks in August 2018.

At the time, the couple and their son Alfie were looked after by Musgrove's team of midwives, including bereavement midwife Keiley Tuck and midwives Bryony Gilmore, Beth Strong and Beth Duck, a student midwife at the time.

Nicky said: “The midwives went above and beyond, and we would not have got through it without the team.

"I could not fault their support, care and compassion.”

The midwives helped Nicky and Dan create memories of Lydia with hand and footprints, as well as a lock of her hair.

In February 2020, Dan and Nicky welcomed their rainbow baby, Cleo.

Nicky was understandably nervous during the pregnancy but the same midwifery team who supported them with Lydia helped to deliver Cleo.

Nicky said: “The team was outstanding. I could not have got through it without them and Keiley and Bryony continue to keep in touch with us – they have never forgotten us.”

The money raised will be used to buy telemetry fetal heart monitors to monitor babies when mums are in labour.

They are wireless and allow mums to walk around without wires, a machine that Nicky trialled during her time in hospital.

A plaque will be placed on the monitors in Lydia's memory.

Keiley said: “We are so overwhelmed by the kindness shown by Dan and Nicky and the money raised in Lydia’s memory will help so many others.

“Our team of midwives always strive to give outstanding care to our families and to hear this lovely feedback from Dan and Nicky has given us all such a lift.

“We want to thank them both, as well as their supporters, from the bottom of our hearts.”

The money was raised through the generosity of family, friends and the community of Stogursey and surrounding area, with many businesses donating.

Numerous fundraising events took place from race nights, and a tough mudder undertaken by Berry & Escott and C&S Fitness.

Zoe Steer from Love Musgrove, said: “We are so grateful to everyone who donated and would like to express our thanks and gratitude to each company, family, friends and the local community.”