A COUPLE has raised more than £12,000 in memory of their daughter to support other parents who experienced the death of a baby.

Melissa and Ryan Hooper have been able to donate a cuddle cot to Forth Valley Royal Hospital in a bid to comfort other parents who are going through the heart-break of losing a baby.

The couple was supported by hospital staff who offered them the use of cuddle cot cooling system so they could take their daughter Penelope home for a few days and let other family members meet her.

Melissa and Ryan said it gave them precious time and provided a great comfort to them.

Ryan said: “Although this has been a devastating and heart-breaking time for all of us, the desire to do something in Penelope‘s memory has been palpable.

“When Penelope was born sleeping on 23rd February 2023 the staff at Forth Valley Royal Hospital provided us with a cuddle cot to use.

“This preserved our gorgeous girl and gave us priceless and everlasting memories and the opportunity to spend time with our daughter.

“The cuddle cot brought peace and comfort to Melissa and I and it is something we will be forever grateful for to the team at Forth Valley Royal Hospital for giving us the opportunity to share these moments and bring our beautiful Penelope home.”

Looking to raise funds, they set a £2,000 target which was reached almost immediately.

The total now stands at around £12,700 after more than 20 family and friends undertook the Kilt Walk while many of Ryan’s work colleagues also donated to their Just Giving page.

Ryan is already in training for his next fundraising event, cycling next year from Lands End to John O’Groats.

In addition to donating the cuddle cot device, the remaining funds will be split between NHS Forth Valley's Bereavement Service and the Spiritual Care Centre.

Ryan added: “All donations will go directly to support grieving families like us in the hope it will bring them comfort.

“I would like to thank everyone who has donated for their love and support and helped us create a lasting tribute to our beautiful baby daughter Penelope.”

People who wish to donate to the fund in Penelope‘s memory can click here.

Catriona Addison, NHS Forth Valley bereavement adviser, said: “Everyone at the hospital who has met Ryan and Melissa have been humbled by their kindness, generosity and determination to do something positive to help other families who have experienced the loss of a baby.

“We are very grateful to them for everything they have done and continue to do to support local services at Forth Valley Royal Hospital.”