THE Butterfly Suite at Royal Hampshire County Hospital (RHCH) in Winchester has been refurbished thanks to the fundraising efforts of two bereaved families.

Toby and Claire Ward and Hayley Evans managed to raise an incredible £5,000 through a series of fundraising activities, including a skydive, completing a Tough Mudder, and taking part in sponsored walks and craft sales.

This money was donated to the maternity unit at RHCH, part of Hampshire Hospital Foundation Trust, allowing staff to overhaul the Butterfly Suite, a bereavement suite for parents.

Winchester mum Hayley, whose daughter Mimi Bluebell had been stillborn two years earlier, met Claire and Toby on the ward when she went into labour again last year.

Hayley said: “I knew exactly what Claire and Toby were going through and I feel so proud to have been able to contribute £900 to their fundraising efforts through my sponsored skydive, and I’m glad it’s gone to such a good cause.”

Claire, whose baby Evelyn sadly passed away after 40 weeks of pregnancy, said: “We were so appreciative of our own space away from the rest of the ward when we came in.

“We realised how important this type of facility is for families going through the most difficult time in their lives.

“After our stay, we decided that we wanted to make it even more comfortable for families who were feeling the same pain Toby and I did.”

Midwife Carly Shaw added: “The room looks so much better now that it’s had a proper facelift courtesy of the Hampshire Hospital Foundation Trust estates team, who did a brilliant job.

“The suite is a sanctuary for families going through a horrible time and the refurbishment will help so much in making their stay more comfortable.

“We really appreciate all the help Claire, Toby, Hayley and SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death charity) have given us to make this project happen. It enables us to give the best care we possibly can to bereaved families.

“We would also like to thank Abigail’s Footsteps for donating a cold cot, which will be used to give the families more time with their child, and allow them to create more memories with them.”