Heartbroken Devon couple praise hospital after baby dies

A couple from Cranbrook who were expecting their first child heartbreakingly found themselves having to return home from hospital without their baby. Harriet Morris, 28, was 19 weeks into her pregnancy when she describes suddenly feeling 'incredibly sick'.

She was advised to attend the labour and delivery ward at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital with her fiancé, Johnny Thomas, 29. They were then told the devastating news that their baby had no heartbeat. It is not known what caused his death.

They named their boy Aubrey and were able to spend time with him in The Heartsease Room, a place set aside for parents who have a stillborn child within the hospital.

Harriet recalled: "Everything was absolutely fine until September 9, when I had what I can only describe as flu-like symptoms. I had a high temperatures and shivers etc. A few days later I developed period like cramps which were later confirmed to be labour pains and contractions."

After attending the labour ward, Harriet and Johnny were taken care of by staff in The Heartsease Room.

Harriet recalled: "The room is absolutely incredible because it is very home like. It is decorated with wallpaper and there is a TV, kettle and fridge. It was nothing like a box standard hospital room.

"It was private and out of the way from the rest of the labour and delivery ward. I didn't leave that room until we left; it was just so comfortable.

"I couldn't fault the staff at all. It was also the little things that meant so much such as a remembrance tree outside. You are given a ribbon to tie on the tree to make you feel like the moment is bit more special.

"It was an extremely hard time. If a baby is born before 24 weeks it is not classed as stillborn; it is classed as a late miscarriage so you can't register its birth.

"But at the RD&E they gave us little birth certificate they created which made him feel more real than just a life that didn't make it."

Aubrey was cremated free of charge by Layzell Funeral Services in Honiton, the town were Harriet grew up. Harriet and Johnny are also grateful to Simba, a charity that knits items to put in memory boxes for grieving families.

Following the birth, Harriet suffered post-birth complications and required surgery. Throughout her physical and emotional recovery she has been supported by her loved ones and despite her own struggles, she has been busy planning ways to help others.

Harriet and Johnny have signed up for the Riverside 5-Mile on February 9, at Exeter Quay. Their chosen charity is the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Charity which helps fund The Heartsease Room. Harriet's immediate family and best friends are also taking part in the run.

She said: "Aubrey's due date was February 11 so it will be nice to celebrate it in a positive way a few days before rather than be sitting at home upset. I want to raise awareness that miscarriages happen to one in four people and to turn our story into something positive and make a difference to other people.

"We will be running the Riverside 5-Mile to raise funds for the RD&E Bereavement Charity to support the vital work of the Heartsease Ward, which offers comfort, care, and dignity to grieving families who need it most.

"The room offered us privacy and the comfort of time with our son. This safe, gentle space was our sanctuary as we began to process our grief. In those dark hours, this ward and the incredible team behind it gave us a bit of peace when we needed it most.

"Every contribution, big or small, will help sustain this essential care. We hope that, together, we can give future families the same compassion and sanctuary that we received, making the worst day of their lives just a bit more bearable."

To donate to the fundraiser, please click here.