Sarah raises £900 for baby unit after tragedy

Sarah raises £900 for baby unit after tragedy

30 July 2025

A COMBER woman, who sadly lost her baby daughter Poppy in April, has raised £900 for the Ulster Hospital’s Forget Me Not Focus Group.

Following her passing, Poppy’s mum Sarah McGourty sought solace in running.

And to say “thank you” to the Ulster Hospital’s bereavement midwifery team for its exceptional care and gentle compassion before and after the devastating loss of her daughter, she raised the money after signing up for the Comber 10K event.

Sarah was in her second trimester of pregnancy with Poppy when it was discovered that her baby girl no longer had a heartbeat during a scan.

“After losing Poppy, I felt a deep need to give something back to the bereavement midwives who supported me so compassionately during such a painful time,” said her mum.

“That is what inspired me to start running again and to sign up for the Comber 10k as a way to begin raising funds.”

Sarah explained running became a much-needed outlet, giving her space to process the loss of her baby.

“I completed all my training runs at Billy Neill Country Park, where the Forget Me Not trees are planted in memory of precious babies. Passing those beautiful trees during each run gave me the strength to keep going,” said Sarah.

The Forget Me Not Group at the Ulster Hospital maternity unit brings together parents who have experienced the death of a child or baby and provides support and connection to families throughout the year.

Sarah spent four days in the unit and during that time said Susan Stitt, one of the bereavement midwives, gave her incredible support. 

“Susan spent time with me before Poppy was born, helping me prepare for the difficult days ahead. Her kindness and the time she gave meant so much and it truly helped me face what was to come,” she said.

Sarah added that she did not know what she would have done without the support of her husband, Gerard and the midwifery staff. 

“Bereavement midwife Jacqueline Dorrian was with me the day after Poppy was born. She sat with me and helped me process the whole experience. Both Susan and Jacqueline were such a great support for me. They are angels on earth, so selfless and experienced.”

Sarah’s fundraising efforts will see the £900 going towards the purchase of a ‘cuddle cot’ for families who will also be affected by baby loss.

And the Comber woman has also joined the Forget Me Not group.

Sarah added: “The support I received meant so much to me and my family.”

Jacqueline Dorrian thanked Sarah for thinking about staff at the maternity unit and others in her grief. 

“It was an honour and a privilege for me to spend time with Sarah after the birth of Poppy and we really appreciate her and her family’s very generous and kind donation,” added.