General News
3 September, 2020
Pembertons’ hope to make grief easier
CAMPERDOWN couple Rebecca and Damien Pemberton have launched a fundraiser in support of Bears of Hope – a foundation which helps provide pregnancy and infant loss support.
CAMPERDOWN couple Rebecca and Damien Pemberton have launched a fundraiser in support of Bears of Hope – a foundation which helps provide pregnancy and infant loss support.
The couple’s son – Mack James Pemberton – was stillborn on May 29 this year at 23 weeks.
Mrs Pemberton said she has set a goal of raising $6500 to donate a “Cuddle Cot” to South West Healthcare.
She said a Cuddle Cot is a cooling system which lies beneath the baby within a bassinet.
It enables families to keep their baby close and create beautiful memories, spending as much time as they wish with their baby, before saying goodbye.
Mrs Pemberton said every extra second families could spend with their child is precious.
“We never expected this to happen to us,” she said.
“It was our worst nightmare.”
In the following months, the couple became aware of Cuddle Cots and wanted to be able to provide one for families grieving the loss of a child.
“Every second is precious,” Mrs Pemberton said.
“We would like to make the grieving process that bit easier.
“Hopefully we can get to the target and give back.”
The fundraiser began on August 26 and as of Wednesday afternoon had already raised more than $5600.
She said the support had been “absolutely incredible”.
“It’s so overwhelming to see the support from family and friends, the community and people we don’t know. It’s touching,” Mrs Pemberton said.
“If we get more than the $6500 goal, I will try and raise enough for a second Cuddle Cot.
“I was due to have Mack on September 25, so that’s my goal to raise the money by.”
To find out more about the fundraiser or to make a donation visit https://cuddlecot.gofundraise.com.au/page/Rebecca-32089457.