Mum takes on 10k run for Cots for Tots

October 5, 2023

Abbey Silvester ran 10k at the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run to raise funds for Cots for Tots, the dedicated charity for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Michael’s Hospital, which is a part of Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal, the dedicated charity for Bristol Children’s Hospital.

When her baby daughter Isla was born on 7 April 2016, Abbey didn’t get to take her home. Instead, little Isla was, as Abbey describes, “born sleeping”.

“I was a mummy, but my baby girl was to live only in my heart,” says Abbey. “This is a feeling that no parent should ever have to face.”

Picture of Abbey Silvester smiling as she holds a cheque for £3567.

In the days following Isla’s birth, Abbey and her husband Joe were given precious time with their baby girl by having the use of a CuddleCot. Designed to allow grieving parents to spend extra time with their stillborn babies, the CuddleCot is a cooling cot that preserves a baby’s appearance, condition and dignity.

“We were able to create such precious memories by having handprints made and pictures were taken and now these are the moments that I treasure and hold so close. None of this would have been possible without the use of a CuddleCot,” she explains.

Before her run Abbey explained, “to achieve my goal would be amazing and an honour to know my baby girl has made a difference during someone’s darkest and most upsetting time. To give them that chance to create memories to last a lifetime.”

The family has a particularly close connection to Cots for Tots, as Abbey’s son Alfie (3) and daughter Mollie (11 months) both spent time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Michael’s Hospital.

“Cots for Tots is an incredible charity and without it who knows what my life would look like,” adds Abbey.

“The smallest of feet have certainly left the biggest of footprints in my heart. We’re doing this for you Isla. I’m so very proud you chose me to be your mummy and I just hope I make you proud.” www.greatrun.org

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