A courageous Sutton mum is to mark what would have been the 21st birthday of her son by staging a masquerade party to help other parents who suffer from the early loss of their children.

Liam Michael Morrell, who was born by emergency C-section on 31st May, 1998, sadly died aged 37 hours 37 minutes after a placental abruption caused severe brain damage and organ failure.

He died in the arms of his mum, Claire Meakin.

She recalled: “Losing Liam was the most heartbreaking and soul-destroying moment of my life, cradling him in my arms as he took his last breath, cherishing the little time we shared and building a lifetime of memories in a matter of
hours.

“No words can describe the emotions hat flooded through me, but I will be forever grateful for each moment that we shared.”

Now Claire wants to help other parents who never get to take their babies home.

The From Liam With Love Masquerade Party on 1st June will raise money to buy a specialist Cuddle Cot at King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton.

Claire said: “To celebrate what would have been a special occasion I have put together the masquerade party in his name.

“The aim of the night is to raise funds to purchase a specialist Cuddle Cot. This allows families to hold their babies after their passing and to spend time with them, creating a few precious memories because their baby never goes home.

“It also allows them time to start to grieve.

“We want to give the gift of time to other families, who tragically have to share such pain.

“Whilst our cause is heartbreaking we want to celebrate life also.”

The party will be held at The Civic Quarter, Mansfield, and include three live acts, a disco, fizz and canapes on arrival, and a hog roast, all supplied by local people.

Tickets are priced £21 — a link to what would have been Liam’s 21st birthday.

There will be a raffle of donated items and possibly an auction.

Claire and the organisers are working with Sherwood Forest Hospitals Charity and a bereavement midwife at King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton.

If any funds are left over after buying the specialist Cuddle Cot, they will be put towards supporting families grieving over the loss of their babies.

For more information and to buy tickets, go to https://fromliamwithlove.co.uk or search for the event on social media