Fareham mum whose five-year-old daughter Beau died raises £15,000 to support bereaved parents

Hannah Henriques was left heartbroken when her five-year-old daughter Beau, who had a congenital heart disease, died after routine but complex cardiac surgery.

She said: ‘Beau endured so much in her little life, including three major open-heart surgeries, 20 other heart surgeries, four cardiac catheters and numerous other procedures.Throughout her life, she showed so much courage and determination.

‘After Beau’s death, it became apparent that there was a lack of both local and national bereavement aftercare for parents and their families after a loss of a child.

‘With the support of our family and friends we launched the trust. It now supports bereaved parents and their families through emotional, practical and financial support. This year we have been helping families with counselling and grants, and in the coming year we will be working with hospitals in Hampshire and West Sussex to support families.’

A carnival-themed ball held at the Hilton Ageas Bowl raised £15,000 for the charity and was supported by organisations and businesses including St Mary’s NHS Treatment centre which Hannah works for.

Hannah said: ‘I would like to thank everyone who came to the event, not only was it a wonderful evening, it will also enable us to support more families at their lowest ebb.’

Fellow Fareham mother Fiona Corless has also set up a charity to help parents through bereavement after her two-year-old daughter Ripley died going through treatment for leukaemia in 2017.

The occupational therapist has used her background in mental health services to set up Ripples of Compassion in memory of her daughter and to fill a missing need for more support for grieving parents.

The 30-year-old said: ‘Nearly everyone will tell you there is no time limit on grief, so it doesn’t make sense to put a time limit on the support you might need to help you through your grieving, particularly one as significant as the death of a child.’

To learn more about both charities visit thebeauhalotrust.org/ and ripplesofcompassion.com/