Local parents donate gifts for bereaving families in son’s name

(CONTENT WARNING: CHILD LOSS.)

Last year, Tessa and Greg Harlock suffered an unimaginable loss when their son, Noah, was stillborn at 32 weeks gestation.

But, they turned their grief into determination to support other families who have had similar experiences.

“We held a fundraiser Gala and raised $63,000 in the first night,” Tessa said.

“Companies donated prizes, there was a Go Fund Me and raffles. Some of the money was donated to Gold Coast University Hospital to support families going through the same experience we had.”

The donations include techni-ice for cuddle cots, stillbirth journals, three types of loss books, hand and heart momentoes, blankets and beanies, and casting vouchers.

“The team here were so amazing during our experience,” Tessa said.

“Even after we left, the perinatal loss coordinators would stay in touch and support us. We wanted to give back and say thank you.”

Gold Coast Health Perinatal Loss Coordinator Nicole White said the donations will help the families process their grief.

“These donations will make a massive positive difference for our bereaving families,” Nicole said.

“They can write in journals, make momentoes and castings.

“The techni-ice will be used for the cuddle cots, giving families valuable extra time with their baby.”

Tessa says she hopes the resources will be a vital part of families healing journeys.

“I just want to help families going through a similar experience to what we did,” Tessa said.

“Everyone grieves differently, but I’ve found talking about Noah has really helped on my healing journey.

“I am singing Noah’s name from the rooftops and don’t plan on stopping!”

Watch Noah's story on Seven News Facebook here.