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Date of release: 11th October 2024
Fundraising in memory of a special baby boy
A bereaved couple whose first baby sadly died, after being born prematurely and extremely poorly, are determined to help other families who need the support of the Neonatal Unit at Wolverhampton’s New Cross Hospital.
Spencer and Kelly Cree lost their son Freddie when he was three days old in May 2016. He was born just under 24 weeks and weighed 1.2 pounds.
They became determined to help others and are sharing their story this Baby Loss Awareness Week.
Freddie was born at Dudley’s Russells Hall Hospital but was transferred to New Cross for the Neonatal Intensive Care he needed.
Kelly said: “He was cared for by wonderful Doctors and Nurses – they didn’t just look after him, they looked after us too.
“New Cross staff were absolutely amazing, we could not fault any second they looked after our boy and they also provided us with a room to sleep in, showers and three meals a day without question.
“Lindsey was our main Nurse who was so friendly and supportive. Our little boy fought on but we were told Freddie was not improving and there was nothing more that could be done. He was suffering and we had to make the decision for Freddie to be taken off his machines. He passed away on 22 May which destroyed us mentally and emotionally.”
Kelly and Spencer, both 36, of Oakham near Dudley, requested donations at their son’s funeral and raised £500 in his memory.
They raised £3,000 back in 2018 after Spencer and two friends Phil Coleman and Rob Salter walked up Mount Snowdon in Wales and the couple held a charity night at Dudley Ex-servicemen’s Club.
Spencer, a van driver for Mitie, where Kelly is an account manager, said: “We were going to do more events to mark Freddie’s 10th birthday but we have the attitude of “Why wait?” so we are carrying on now, in the run up to his ninth birthday.”
Last week they raised £1700 from a charity darts match, supported by West Midlands Air Ambulance and their daughter Ruby-Mae, seven, sold bracelets and keyrings she made.
Spencer is in training for another Snowdon climb on 12 April next year along with friends Phil Coleman, Mikki Kazmi, Aaron Poole (H) and Chris Kemmings.
“I have already lost three stones and am hitting the gym to get ready for the challenge,” he said.
The couple also want to thank Nicci Sutton from Dudley Ex-Servicemen’s Club for all her support with their fundraising.
“We just want to do what we can to help other families – whether that’s money for extra milk warmers or more equipment for Neonatal,” added Kelly.
“This was the worst time of our lives and we couldn’t have got through it without the care and compassion shown to us.”
A family fun day has been set for 5 May and a disco/quiz night on 23 May 2025, all at Dudley Ex-Servicemen’s Club.
To support the family’s fundraising please visit https://bit.ly/4eHbJh6
Amanda Winwood, RWT Charity Development Manager, said: “I can’t believe how dedicated this family is to helping others after going through such tragedy themselves.
“Their selflessness will help so many other families and our Neonatal Team is so grateful for their generosity.”
