Heartbroken Milton Keynes couple raise money for special care unit where their baby daughter tragically passed away last month

Beautiful Poppy Harris was delivered at Milton Keynes hospital after a normal, healthy pregnancy. But due to a rotational 'Kielland' forceps procedure she sustained numerous severe injuries.

She was rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital, which provides specialist medical and surgical care for babies across the country - particularly babies from the Thames Valley, including Milton Keynes.

Her parents Natasha and Liam were devastated to learn their daughter could not recover from the damage that had occurred. "We did not want to believe this could be true, we contacted the best hospitals all over the world only to be told the same thing," said Natasha.

"When we found out just how serious Poppy's condition was, the team did everything in their power to make sure we were able to spend precious time as a family.

"We were able to take Poppy outside with all her life support equipment. We spent time together in a private room, we were able to spend the night with Poppy snuggled in between us. We were able to spend these very important moments together as a family.

"Poppy was looked after by the most amazing team of nurses, doctors, consultants, therapists, neurologists, at the John Radcliffe. They did everything they could to care for Poppy. She was as comfortable and happy as she could be, despite so many complications."

Natasha added: "Poppy became an angel on the 24th March. She was the most perfect and special little girl, we have no words to describe the pain we are feeling. We will never be able to explain our heartbreak but we have some comfort knowing she is now at peace."

Last Wednesday was Poppy's funeral.

"We sent our angel into heaven," said Natasha. "In memory of our darling Poppy, we are fundraising for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford. We would kindly like to ask for your help in raising money to support other babies and families.

"All expectant parents hope their babies will be healthy, but sometimes problems arise, such as antenatal concerns requiring monitoring or treatment, premature birth or a difficult delivery.

"We hope to provide funds to help towards creating a comfortable, welcoming space for families to spend time with their sick or premature babies. Private time away from the busy ward. A space to discuss very important issues about their baby, with consultants and doctors.

"We would also like funds to go towards the Neonatal transport team, the team that collected Poppy from our local hospital, they transport and care for babies from all over. The team that also helped us take Poppy outside of the hospital and around the hospital."

Natasha added: "Any donations would be greatly appreciated. You never truly understand what it is like to be in this position until you go through it yourself. We would like to help make these extremely challenging situations a little less painful.

"This has been the most difficult time of our lives, but we were lucky to have spent 120 days with our baby girl."

Already the couple have exceeded their target and raised £4,990. They want to continue and raise as much as they can to help the unit. You can view their page here.Meanwhile an investigation is being carried out to discover what happened at MK hospital during Poppy's delivery.

* Natasha and Liam have shared their treasured photos of their daughter. Some were taken by Remember my Baby and Photos From Sophie.