Fundraiser Ange scales new heights for Forget-me-not Suite

Inspirational fundraiser Ange Fleming has made one final stop on her months-long fundraising challenge for UHNM Charity- presenting a cheque of over £2,000 to UHNM’s Forget-me-Not Suite.

Throughout the year Ange has not only climbed Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain but also walked to all 105 trig points in Staffordshire, all in memory of grandson Charlie who was tragically born sleeping last December.

Ange told us: “In December 2023, my daughter Beth was taken seriously ill with listeria whilst 23 weeks pregnant, and unfortunately, my grandson Charlie didn’t survive.

“From the moment we got transferred to the Forget-me-Not suite at the Royal Stoke I could not fault any of the staff at all, they were all exemplary. They looked after Charlie, Beth, her husband and all the family. Every member of staff we met was so empathetic and compassionate, they went way above and beyond whatever we would have expected.

“Obviously, you don’t expect to find yourself in that situation and it was traumatic or her and us as a family, but they made it so much easier for her and us all- they were so caring, understanding. If we were in tears, they would just leave us alone, if we were chatting, they would come and join in.”

Speaking about her fundraising challenge, Ange, who has worked at UHNM for 16 years said: “You feel so helpless as a mum when you see your child going through that, and I wanted to give something back. Saying thank you just didn’t seem enough

“I’ve enjoyed all the walking I’ve done; I even enjoyed the mountaineering. It was hard work, but raising money for such a worthy cause really spurred me on, even in the rain, mud, and thunderstorms.

“Having raised over £2,000, the support off everybody has been phenomenal, and it’s really touched us all how much support we’ve had off everybody.”

A trig point is a concrete pillar built on summits to help work out the heights of hills and mountains. Ange scaled the 978 meters of Scafell Pike in the Lake District as part of her 50th birthday celebrations.

Ange was joined by daughter Beth to present their incredible cheque to Caroline Birchall and Sarah Lake, Bereavement Specialist Midwives.

Sarah said: “The Forget-me-Not rooms are in a quiet area on Delivery Suite where bereaved families receive clinical care, emotional support and are provided with opportunities to spend time with their baby and make memories. We are extremely grateful to the family for both fund raising for UHNM Charity and considering the support and needs of other parents who may use the service in the future.”