Bereaved Mum’s Charity Balls Raised Over £37,000 For Grieving Families

A bereaved mum’s charity ball events raised over £37,000 for our Woodland House Appeal, which helped to create and support a standalone bereavement centre for families experiencing pregnancy and baby loss.

Lynette Parkes, from Hagley in Worcestershire, has backed the Appeal since it first launched in April 2019, knowing the difference the bereavement centre would have made during a heartbreaking and traumatic time in her life.

After being given the devastating news that her baby had no heartbeat, Lynette gave birth to her little boy James in the Abby Suite, a small but dedicated bereavement room at our Women’s Hospital. She and her husband Matt were able stay overnight and spend precious time saying goodbye to their son, but were distressed to overhear the healthy cries of other people’s babies from further along the corridor of the delivery ward.

Woodland House, which has just marked its two-year anniversary, is the first of its kind in a hospital setting, providing a safe haven away from the hustle and bustle of our main hospital. With bespoke counselling rooms, safe spaces for support groups, and a private garden and family room, the centre offers a quiet and supportive environment for families facing the shock and distress of losing a baby.

Lynette is a strong supporter of Woodland House, and held her first charity ball on behalf of the Woodland House Appeal in 2021, but was determined to do even more to support bereaved families.

Late last year, she hosted a second charity ball in the Treetops Pavillion at West Midlands Safari Park, working hard to bring together friends, family, local businesses and the local community in support of the cause.

Inspired by Lynette’s powerful personal story, guests dug deep, taking part in a live auction, a silent auction, a raffle and a wishing tree. Thanks to their kind-hearted generosity on the night and match funding from local businesses, the event raised over £19,000 for the cause, bringing Lynette’s fundraising total to more than £37,000.

Lynette Parks said: “Every parent wants their child to make a difference, and holding these fundraisers has been my way of changing the world in James’ name.

“Woodland House is so important for bereaved families navigating their grief. I wish it had been there when we lost James, but I feel so privileged to have been involved in making the centre a reality.”

Lynette’s fundraising has supported the build and continued improvement of Woodland House. Funds raised now that the build is complete will help continue to make the centre a safe and supportive space where bereaved families can grieve and reflect, and support the incredible work of the bereavement team who care for them.

Annie Eytle, Head of Public Fundraising at Birmingham Women’s Hospital Charity, said: “We’re deeply moved by Lynette’s passion and commitment to supporting the Woodland House Appeal in James’ name.

“While we can never take away the unimaginable heartbreak of losing a baby, this special centre offers a safe haven for the 2,000 families experiencing pregnancy and baby loss at our hospital each year.”

If you’ve been inspired and would like to fundraise for our charity, or donate, please visit bwh.org.uk or call 0121 333 8506.