A WEE COUNTY couple are holding a fundraiser in aid of the Forth Valley Royal Hospital bereavement room this weekend. 

Paula and Richard Tasker, from Alloa, went through the heartbreak of losing their son Tjay at birth two years ago and witnessed first hand the comfort and support the service offers.

As a result they have decided to host a bingo tea, which will take place at Hawkhill Community Centre on Saturday, August 26, with all proceeds going towards the maintaining room.

And preparations for the event are running smoothly, as various organisations both nationally and locally have stepped forward to lend a helping hand. 

Paula told the Advertiser: “They are going well. We’ve got a raffle for a tour of Ibrox for six people, adults or children. Rangers FC have given us that as a donation.

“I sent them a cover letter explaining what the bingo tea was for and what the money is going towards and they said they were more than happy to help.

“The local community have donated prizes, like the hairdressers, the butchers and Tesco so we have had a good response.”

Doors open at 6.30pm on the night with eyes down at 7pm and the couple have planned a balloon release at half-time to remember infants who have been stillborn. 

Paula said the atmosphere at the event would be relaxed and encouraged people to come along regardless of where they are from as there is no need to buy a ticket in advance.

“You just turn up on the night and buy a book,” she said. “You don’t have to come to me for tickets.”

She also emphasised the importance of breaking the stigma attached to child loss so that people do not have to go through the ordeal privately. 
“It’s for a great cause,” she said.

“Nobody really speaks about stuff like this, it’s a hidden subject. The majority of the people coming who have had a loss think it’s a fantastic idea.”

Catriona Addison, NHS Forth Valley bereavement advisor, added: “We are very grateful to Paula for taking the time to organise this event and to support our local bereavement service.

“The bereavement rooms at Forth Valley Royal Hospital were recently refurbished and any future donations we receive will contribute to their ongoing maintenance to ensure they are as comfortable as possible for parents and families at this very sad and distressing time.”