The refrigerated cooling cot was donated to Whittington Hospital in memory of Crouch End mother Hilary Grierson’s son Hamish, who died while she was in labour in 2012.
The cot was donated using funds raised from a quiz held in memory of Hamish in September.
Ms Grierson said: “I visited The Whittington today for the handover of the new cooling cot.
“They allow parents to build a few treasured memories, whether that’s singing, reading, holding, or simply being close for a little longer.
“There wasn’t a cot available when we had Hamish in 2012, so our time with him was shorter than we would have hoped.”
Ms Grierson first began raising funds for cooling cots in 2012 as a gesture of thanks to the hospital — “a way of saying thank you for the care and compassion we received”.
The cot is the 13th funded by Ms Grierson, and the quiz raised £6,457, enough to fund two. Another is already on order for the funeral home Exit Here in Crouch End.
Ms Grierson added: “Returning today was very meaningful and emotional.
“The midwives there work tirelessly to support families like mine, and they even had a team at the quiz.
“These cots give families precious extra time with their baby before saying goodbye, an essential part of the grieving process.”
The latest cot was purchased through Abigail’s Footsteps, a Rochester-based charity for which Ms Grierson serves as an ambassador.
Ms Grierson hopes her story will raise awareness about baby loss, reduce stigma, and highlight the work of Abigail’s Footsteps.
Her fundraising and advocacy continue to help bereaved families spend precious time with their babies, offering comfort in the most difficult circumstances.
