A Hamilton family who experienced the devastating loss of their daughter have donated a special privacy pram to University Hospital Wishaw. Laura Finlay and her partner, Barry Gordon, purchased the first privacy pram for use within the hospital following the stillbirth of their daughter, Rhylie, at 36 weeks on 15 January 2025. The couple hope the pram will support other parents facing similar heartbreak.
Creating a lasting legacy
Now expecting their son in September, Laura and Barry say Rhylie will always hold a special place as their first baby and, soon to be, big sister. The pram was purchased with money raised at Rhylie’s funeral. The family are proud to be creating a lasting legacy in Rhylie’s memory.
Laura said: “All I ever wanted since I was a little girl was a baby. I had Rhylie and then I lost her. Rhylie was my miracle. She was everything I had ever dreamed of and losing her shattered my whole world.
“After she was born, I wanted to take her outside for a walk. I needed a break from the hospital environment and I wanted to spend time with my daughter.
“People are naturally curious when they see a mum with a baby in a pram and often want to look inside. When your baby has died, that can be incredibly traumatic for both the parents and the person who doesn’t realise the situation.
“I hope this privacy pram helps other families create precious memories with their babies and gives them a little more privacy during one of the hardest times imaginable.”
Support from hospital staff
Laura and her mother-in-law, Geraldine Gordon, visited University Hospital Wishaw to officially present the privacy pram, which they hope will provide comfort and dignity to other families experiencing baby loss. After Rhylie was born, Laura and Barry spent three days and two nights in the hospital’s Ohana Bereavement Suite, where they were supported by a dedicated team of maternity staff.
Laura praised the care and compassion shown by staff at University Hospital Wishaw throughout her stay. She said: “I couldn’t fault the care we received. My consultant, the bereavement midwives - Lynsey Chambers and Julie Ann Tierney - and all the staff were brilliant.
“Amy, who delivered Rhylie, treated us with such kindness and compassion during an incredibly difficult time. Afterwards, Justine Brown looked after us and cared for Rhylie so beautifully. She spent time dressing her and took precious photographs that we will treasure forever. Those memories mean everything to us.
“I’d also like to thank Louise, Carla, Katie, Holly and Nicola, and all of the other midwives who cared for me throughout my stay. We will never forget the care they gave us.”
Additional donations and global reach
As well as the privacy pram, Laura donated a range of comfort items that she wishes had been available during her own stay, including more books about baby loss, stress-relief items, blankets and fluffy socks for parents staying in the Ohana suite.
Through sharing Rhylie’s story, Laura has connected with other bereaved parents from across the world, including mothers in Australia, and elsewhere in the UK who have experienced similar losses.
Laura said: “Sadly, things like this happen. If sharing our story and making these donations helps even one family feel a little less alone, then that means a lot to us.
“Rhylie will always be part of our family. She will always be our first baby, and soon she will become a big sister to her little brother. We talk about her every day and carry her with us in everything we do.
“This is one way of honouring her memory and ensuring that other families know they are not alone.”
Kate Boyle, Interim Head of Midwifery at University Hospital Wishaw, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Laura, Barry and their family for this thoughtful donation.
“The privacy pram will give families the opportunity to spend precious time with their babies in a way that feels comfortable and dignified for them.
“Laura’s determination to help other parents, despite her own devastating loss, is truly inspiring. Rhylie’s legacy will make a difference to many families in the years ahead.”
