“Their work makes a real difference in the lives of people dealing with the loss of a newborn”
Car enthusiasts from across Northern Ireland came together recently to show their support for a very special fundraising event supporting bereaved parents.
The ‘car cruise’ took place to raise funds for the Ulster Hospital’s Forget Me Not Focus Group. The Forget Me Not Group in the hospital’s Maternity Unit brings together parents, who have experienced the death of a child or baby and provides support connections to families throughout the year.
Among those who have been supported by the group is Belfast mum Kirsten Moore and her family following the heartbreaking loss of her baby son just two years ago.
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Kirsten’s baby boy Noah sadly died in July 2023, an experience she described as “the absolute worst”. The family decided to give back to an amazing charity, which Kirsten says is “so close” to her heart, which supported them through their devastating loss.
She previously told Belfast Live: “I sadly lost my little boy Noah on the 8th of July 2023. The midwives and charities that worked together to quite literally pick us up again during such a difficult time, and try their best to mend us and offer support after experiencing the absolute worst cannot be commended enough.
“They are genuinely angels on this earth and deserve every credit they are given for all that they do – from the very first meeting, right through until now when it’s two years on and they are still offering support and comfort to myself and my family. I felt so supported by every single one of them and will forever be thankful for what they do so selflessly for families like mine.”
The ‘Drive to Remember’ car event saw over 400 vehicles leave the iconic backdrop of Carrickfergus Castle as they made their way towards Portrush.
Carrick Cars and Coffee’s (CCCNI) Connor Marshall, explained how the event brought together a diverse range of classic, custom and performance vehicles, with generous donations pouring in from passionate car lovers near and far.
Connor shared how the Forget Me Not Focus Group was chosen as this year’s charity after the support and compassion shown by its Bereavement Midwives to his partner, Hannah’s sister, Kirsten, after the loss of baby Noah.
“The support we received from the car community was truly overwhelming, We are proud to have raised funds for the Forget Me Not Group, whose work makes a real difference in the lives of people dealing with the loss of a newborn,” said Connor.
He continued: “CCCNI extends its sincere thanks to everyone who attended, donated and helped make the event a meaningful success. Plans are already in motion for next year’s events and with even more cars and community support, the team hopes to drive an even bigger impact!”
Ulster Hospital Bereavement Midwife Jacqueline Dorrian, a self-confessed car enthusiast, thanked Connor and all those who supported the charity drive.
“We would like to thank Connor for choosing the Forget Me Not Focus Group as Carrick Cars’ chosen charity this year. We really appreciate Connor and his team supporting the Forget Me Not Group and for their very kind, thoughtful and generous donation,” she added.
For further information and support, please contact Bereavement Midwives, Susan Stitt or Jacqueline Dorrian by emailing bereavementsupport.midwives@setrust.hscni.net.
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