Recognising Compassion in Practice: Celebrating Our CuddleCot Award Winners

Behind every statistic about baby loss is a family navigating unimaginable grief, and alongside them are healthcare professionals who choose compassion, dignity, and humanity every single day. At a time when maternity care is often discussed through the lens of pressure and challenge, we wanted to pause and recognise those who continue to provide exceptional care to families after the death of a baby.

The CuddleCot Awards were created to honour healthcare professionals who go above and beyond in bereavement care. These nominations came directly from families who wanted to say thank you to the individuals who supported them during the hardest moments of their lives. We are deeply grateful to every family who took the time to share their story and to recognise the care they received.

Below, we are honoured to share the stories of this year’s award recipients.

Hamper One Winner

Harriet Wyatt

Bereavement Midwife, Tunbridge Wells Hospital
Nominated by Emily Rollinson, Umaima Ribeiro, and Olivia Sims

Emily’s Nomination: 

Harriet is the only bereavement midwife at the hospital but gives every family that loses their baby her everything. She is calm, caring and thoughtful. She goes above and beyond to help families before, during and after loss. I first meet Harriet while preparing for my son’s death. She came to my house to prepare me and run through all my options. After Dexter was born Harriet helped me make memories with him and even supported me through his bath time. I took Dexter home using a cuddle cot and Harriet came to visit us numerous times to check everything was ok. Harriet attended Dexter funeral giving me all the support I needed.

I am now pregnant again and so fortunate that Harriet is my community midwife so I can have some close that I trust to help navigate pregnancy after loss. Harriet really is an amazing person that gives her job 100% all of the time”. 

Message to Harriet: I couldn’t have got through the last 10 months without your constant support and care. You being on the end of the phone at all times has really helped me not feel alone during this! I’m also so grateful for your support during this current pregnancy. The scary unknown feels lighter knowing your here with me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

Umaima’s Nomination: 

Harriet played a key role in telling us what to expect and in the aftercare provided by the hospital. 

Message to Harriet: We would not have made it through without you!

Olivia’s Nomination: 

Harriet has been by my side throughout my pregnancy after losing our first son, Nathan, at 5 days old after he was born. She has supported both me and my husband, helping us return to the hospital where Nathan was born when I broke my wrist, and attending all our scans and appointments for our second baby. No ask is too big, and she is always available and happy to answer any questions or concerns I might have. She goes above and beyond helping me with my anxiety and puts me at ease that all my feelings are valid and understandable. I can’t imagine being on this journey without her. 

Message to Harriet: Stuart and I am so grateful for all your compassion, care and support you have shown us from when Nathan died to helping me return back to the hospital when I broke my wrist and now with our second pregnancy. I’m not sure how I would have got this far without you by my side for all our scans and consultant appointments. Thank you so much for all your kindness and strength you have given us. This isn’t a journey I would wish on anyone but for those who do have to endure this path it is thanks to people like you who make it doable. Thank you, Harriet, from all 4 of us. 

Harriets Response: 

Everyone goes to work hoping to do a good job and if you receive a thank you, it always means a lot, no matter what career you are in. When you are a Bereavement Midwife and you are meeting families going through the worst time they will ever experience, all you want to do is make their journey even slightly less painful. Receiving a thank you from a bereaved parent means the world – even in the darkest time, to know that these parents have taken the time to write a card or send a message or even nominate you for an award is just invaluable. I feel so proud to be a Bereavement Midwife and I feel immensely privileged to have met and supported every family I have encountered in this role; a role we all wish did not have to exist.

Hamper Two Winner

Izzy MacGregor

Midwife,
Nominated by Gemma and Sam Briggs

Gemma’s Nomination: 

When I lost my baby George at 34 weeks pregnant, Izzy was the light in one of the darkest and most heartbreaking moments of my life. From the moment she entered the room, she brought a sense of calm, compassion, and genuine empathy that I will never forget. Izzy treated George with the utmost dignity, respect, and love, ensuring that every small detail mattered. She made sure that I had the chance to hold him, to make memories, and to feel supported in every decision I made. She spoke gently, explained everything with kindness, and gave me space to grieve while also ensuring I never felt alone.

Her care went far beyond her role. She helped me to create memories I will cherish forever – hand and footprints, photos, and quiet moments that now mean everything to me. Izzy showed me what truly compassionate care looks like. She didn’t just see a patient; she saw a mother in pain and met me with humanity and warmth. Her empathy extended to my family too, guiding us through something no parent should ever face.

Even after I left the hospital, her care left a lasting imprint on my heart. Izzy reminded me that compassion in healthcare changes lives, even in the moments when life itself cannot be saved. She inspired me to continue my own work within maternity care and bereavement support; to help other families feel the same comfort and dignity she gave me. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of recognition for the difference she made to my life and the love she showed to my baby George.

Message to Izzy: 

Izzy, thank you for being there when my world fell apart. Your compassion, gentleness, and strength helped me survive a moment I never imagined I could. You gave me time, understanding, and memories that I will hold onto for the rest of my life. You treated George with such love and care as if he was your own, and that means more to me than words can ever express. You showed me what true kindness in midwifery looks like, and I will forever be grateful. Thank you for helping me find light, love, and peace in such heartbreak.

You are amazing and will never be forgotten. Thank you, x,

Izzy’s Response: 

Being nominated for an award is a privilege in its own, let alone to win. It is an honour to care for families during the hardest days, and to be trusted to take care of their babies even more so. We have one chance to ‘do it right’, to provide families with the care and compassion that they need, we cannot make it better, but I always hope to make it just an ounce more bearable. I am incredibly grateful for the recognition from CuddleCot. 

Hamper Three Winner

Christie-Ann Lang

Bereavement Midwife, Singleton Hospital, Swansea Bay
Nominated by Laura Kompaniez, Katie Thomas, and Catherine Kiely

Laura’s Nomination:

Being there in my time of need someone I could of load to and someone who knew how I was feeling and understood.

Message to Christie-Ann: Thank you for being and there and still now 4 years on

Katies Nomination: 

She showed compassion care and kindness throughout the hardest time of my life when I lost my baby boy Leo to stillbirth. She listened to me and helped me navigate through different stages of my grief and helped me to be more kind towards myself. I would not mentally be where I am today if it wasn’t for the help and support Christie Ann had given me and continues to give me today.

Message to Christie-Ann: No amount of words would show my appreciation for you and the kindness you have shown me and the support you have given me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart x.

Catherine’s Nomination:

Christie-Ann is an amazing and compassionate person who even now almost 4 years on from my loss still supports me with my ongoing journey. 

Message to Chrsitie Ann: Thank you for everything you’ve done and still do for so many parents! You are absolutely incredible not only at your job but as a person.

Christie-Ann Response:

“I feel privileged to have been nominated by bereaved parents I have provided support to and have been able to help support families navigate their grief journey. I feel privileged to be able to support families and walk beside them in their grief. Thank you to families who took the time to nominate myself I feel truly humbled.”

Voucher Winners

Holly Wright

Bereavement Midwife, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley
Nominated anonymously

Anonymous Nomination:

Holly works very hard with patients who have had losses in pregnancy, she goes above and beyond to care for patients. She is filled with care and compassion. Holly pushed for the role of a bereavement midwife as she recognised the importance of this role and how it could help and support families in their worst times. She educates patients on importance of correct use of cuddle cots and support families how to use these both in hospital and in their own home environment. 

She recently organised a service of remembrance at the royal Alexandra hospital which over 100 people attended. This was a safe space for parents to remember their baby. 

Her patients always talk highly of Holly and how she was there to support and guide them through their grief. 

In the past year Holly has also organised 3 learning events for staff across greater Glasgow and Clyde (midwives nurses and other health care professions)  

Holly’s Response:

“To care and support families during their most difficult moments is truly a privilege. Everyone deserves compassionate, respectful care no matter the circumstances. I feel honoured to work with such a caring team and every day we strive to continuously improve the care we provide. Thank you for my nomination, we couldn’t provide the care we do without the help of the team at CuddleCot. “

Hannah Rimmer

Labour Ward Co-ordinator, Northampton General Hospital
Nominated by Naomi Troup

Naomi’s Nomination:

“Hannah took us in when we entered hospital to be induced with Oakley! We knew he had already died so faced the induction process with fear! She was so supportive, calming and just got us! What was supposed to be a short stay took 5 days! Hannah worked her shift on that first day and spent most of the day in and out and just being with! By day 5 we hadn’t seen her again until she showed up in the morning and explained she was back on shift and chose to come and support us. She stayed with us right and until Oakley was born! She then looked after him with such care and attention. Not only that but she took gorgeous photos for us! Hannah was also so caring and thoughtful towards my husband, Oakley’s daddy who in all the proceedings had been pushed to the side, not mentioned and not checked on! She took the time to talk to him and check on him and look after him too! Since then, we have kept in touch! She even came to visit me after our having our 2nd little rainbow! Thanks to Hannah I look back on my labour with Oakley as peaceful and calm. Thanks to Hannah we have memories of our little boy. Thanks to Hannah we are ok now! We are sad and will carry that, but she bought the glimmers that helped us leave that hospital”.

Message to Hannah: Hannah, you are on of a kind! We can never stop thanking you for the role you have played in Oakley’s story, and we will forever be grateful for the memories you helped us create.

Sara Hunt

Bereavement Midwife, King’s College Hospital
Nominated by Laura Bridle

Laura’s Nomination:

“I am delighted to nominate Sara Hunt for recognition for her exceptional work and dedication as a bereavement midwife. Sara consistently goes above and beyond to support families and colleagues during some of the most difficult moments imaginable.

Sara has been instrumental in co-leading a conference for Baby Loss Awareness Week (BLAW), demonstrating her commitment to raising awareness and improving care for bereaved families. She regularly attends funerals on behalf of families who are unable to attend themselves, ensuring that their babies are honoured with dignity and compassion. When families invite her to attend, she does so with the utmost sensitivity and respect.

Sara is passionate about involving siblings in meaningful ways when saying goodbye to their baby brothers or sisters, helping families create lasting and loving memories. She has also thoughtfully prepared care packages for staff who have experienced baby loss, offering comfort and solidarity during their own times of grief.

In her own time, Sara has undertaken additional training in counselling, demonstrating her deep commitment to carrying out her role safely, compassionately, and to the highest standard.

Sara’s empathy, dedication, and leadership make an enormous difference to both families and staff. She embodies the very best of compassionate care, and I wholeheartedly nominate her for this recognition.”

Message to Sara: Sara, I do not think you know how much of an impact you make for families and staff. You are a gift to midwifery, and I have learnt so much from you. I know this role means a lot of the work you do goes unseen – staying late to sign a post-mortem consent form, see a woman on labour ward when struggling, attending funerals for those who do not have someone there to say goodbye, to constantly going above and beyond for families and staff. I want you to know that I see you, and spending time with you is such a blessing. Thank you for all you do for me, for families and for staff.

Every nomination shared with us reflects extraordinary compassion, professionalism, and humanity. These healthcare professionals do not just provide care, they walk alongside families during moments that will shape the rest of their lives.

We extend our sincere thanks to all the families who took the time to nominate someone who supported them, and to every healthcare professional who continues to provide compassionate bereavement care under immense pressure. Your dedication does not go unnoticed, and we are honoured to recognise you.

We are also grateful to Debenhams Beauty for supporting this campaign and helping us acknowledge the impact these professionals have through a small token of appreciation.

To every award recipient, thank you for everything you do.

Visit our Clinician Wellbeing pages: cuddlecot.com/health-professionals/clinician-wellbeing

Visit our family grief resources for anyone navigating loss no matter when it occurred: cuddlecot.com/grieving

Visit our free evidence-based online learning modules for healthcare professionals: cuddlecot.getlearnworlds.com

Bereavement Care supplies directory: cuddlecot.com/directory-for-bereavement-care-supplies