A couple who enjoyed a 'dream pregnancy' with their first child have suffered a devastating loss after losing their baby a day after his birth.
Sussex-based Jo Meeke and Matt Gurney were prepared and excited to become first-time parents, but when Jo went into labour at just over 40 weeks, complications meant she had to undergo an emergency C-section which required their son, Puck, to be resuscitated after birth.
After they were given the news that their little boy wasn't going to survive, the couple were left with just half an hour to say goodbye.
In the wake of the tragedy, Jo and Matt are now determined to bring something positive out of their heartbreak, and have come up with a unique idea to help the memory of their little boy live on.
Image: Just Giving
The couple have set up a JustGiving page to raise funds to purchase their own woodland space in memory of Puck, so that other other families experiencing grief and the 'amazing nurses' who looked after them can use it as a place of sanctuary.
'Whilst we are still awaiting answers as to what unfurled on that day, we feel strongly that something good must come out of this utterly devastating event that has changed our lives forever,' they explain on the page.
'As avid lovers of nature, we were so looking forward to sharing our passion for outdoor adventure and wildlife with our son and had made so many exciting plans. Now that this opportunity has been so cruelly stolen from us, we are adamant that Puck's spirit will live on in the natural beauty that is all around us and we find great comfort in this belief.'
'We intend to offer the woodland to families/nurses to come and use at their leisure, whether it be to sit and contemplate, go for a beautiful walk or to come and camp for the weekend with other families with this shared experience,' they continue.
'As an ecologist and outdoor educator, Jo wishes to use her knowledge and experience to help other grieving families to reconnect with the wild, find peace away from the madness of the modern world and all its demands and to re-awaken a love for nature which we strongly believe can help open the heart to healing.'
Jo and Matt have set a target of £65,000, and recently crossed the £10,000 milestone for their campaign.
'Dear all- the amazing has happened! Yesterday we crossed the £10,000 mark. You continue to astound us with your incredible support,' they commented at the time. 'We thank you again for your love and generosity.'
