Family who lost baby daughter donate 'privacy pram' to support other parents at University Hospital Wishaw

A family from Hamilton who experienced the devastating loss of their daughter have donated a special privacy pram to support other parents experiencing baby loss.

Laura Findlay and partner Barry Gordon’s daughter Rhylie was stillborn at 36 weeks on January 15, 2025 at University Hospital Wishaw in Lanarkshire.

The couple purchased the first privacy pram for use within the hospital, with the hope it will support other parents experiencing similar heartbreak.

Laura said: “All I ever wanted since I was a little girl was a baby.

“I had Rhylie and then I lost her. Rhylie was my miracle. She was everything I had ever dreamed of and losing her shattered my whole world.

“After she was born, I wanted to take her outside for a walk.

“I needed a break from the hospital environment and I wanted to spend time with my daughter.

“People are naturally curious when they see a mum with a baby in a pram and often want to look inside. When your baby has died, that can be incredibly traumatic for both the parents and the person who doesn’t realise the situation.”

Laura has praised the compassion and care shown by staff in the hospital’s Ohana Bereavement Suite, where they were supported by a dedicated team of maternity staff

Laura and her mother-in-law, Geraldine Gordon, visited University Hospital Wishaw to officially present the privacy pram, which was purchased through donations at Rhylie’s funeral.

Alongside the privacy pram Laura donated a range of comfort items that she wishes had been available during her own stay, including more books about baby loss, stress-relief items, blankets and fluffy socks for parents staying in the Ohana suite.

Through sharing Rhylie’s story, Laura has connected with other bereaved parents from across the world, and elsewhere in the UK who have experienced similar losses.

Laura said: “Sadly, things like this happen. If sharing our story and making these donations helps even one family feel a little less alone, then that means a lot to us.

“Rhylie will always be part of our family. She will always be our first baby, and soon she will become a big sister to her little brother.

“We talk about her every day and carry her with us in everything we do.

“This is one way of honouring her memory and ensuring that other families know they are not alone.”