Frankie's Fund is a tribute site set up in memory of our daughter Francesca who was born sleeping but who will be forever in our hearts, thoughts and prayers...

My husband and I were expecting our second child and like all other expectant parents, we were more than ready and excited to meet our new baby and sibling to our daughter Isabelle.  

After a very healthy and straightforward pregnancy and having been in labour throughout the day we arrived at Wythenshawe hospital. However, after a routine scan doctors told us the devastating news that our baby sadly had no heartbeat.  

Francesca Lily Hughes was born on 30th October 2019. She was just as perfect and beautiful as we had hoped, looking just like her sister, but with dark wavy hair.  

From the moment events unfolded and ever since, in a situation which is every parent’s worst nightmare, it has been the dedication, professionalism, love, kindness, and support that all the hospital staff, from the doctors and midwives, to the ladies who brought our tea in the mornings showed, which has made the situation a little more bearable and given us special memories that are now so precious. They cared for me, our beautiful baby girl and my husband in a way that was so respectful and deeply caring that I will forever be grateful and hold them close to my heart.  

All these midwives, doctors, nurses and others are true angels and very special and dedicated people, and we would now love to give something back to them and the hospital in memory of Frankie and make the lives of the people who will sadly experience this heartbreaking loss just a little bit better. 

The money raised through Frankie’s fund will go to The Snowdrop Unit at the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust which helps to enhance the quality of care given to bereaved women and their families during their stay in hospital. At the most devastating time of people's lives, The Snowdrop Suite provides a safe and comfortable space for families to spend time with their babies, make memories, and say goodbye. The small things really do make a big difference and your donations will go a long way to improving that care. The money will go towards enhancing existing facilities such as the memorial garden, the annual memorial service, offering specialised stationary such as photographs and foot and hand prints and staff training. Most recently a second snowdrop room based on the delivery suite has been built and new fundraising money will go towards an improved bereavement delivery suite.  

Please give whatever you can, knowing that even a little bit will help towards making someone’s memories and experience in the worst situation that bit more bearable.  

With love and thanks xx