Caroline Lambert from Horsforth has shared the heartbreak of losing her seven month old daughter Evelyn
(Image: Martin House)
A Leeds mum has spoken of the heartbreaking death of her baby daughter and the hospice which helped her family.
Caroline Lambert, 38, from Horsforth, lost her daughter Evelyn when she was just seven months old following a brain injury around the time of her birth. Caroline and her husband Michael say the support they received from Martin House Children’s Hospice made an unimaginable situation more bearable, allowing them to focus on spending precious time together as a family.
Caroline said: “Evelyn was our second child and a fighter from the very beginning. Despite a healthy pregnancy, she suffered a loss of oxygen during birth which resulted in a severe brain injury and complex medical needs. To us, Evelyn represents pure resilience and love, and a reminder to find hope in every single day, no matter how challenging.
“Martin House were our lifeline, the community team provided home visits and we were able to have respite stays at the hospice where Evelyn’s medication could be reviewed and her symptoms managed by doctors.
“Martin House gave us the gift of time, allowing us to spend most of Evelyn’s life at home, where she belonged, rather than stuck in hospital wards.”
Rather than spending long periods in hospital, the family were able to create memories at home. Even after Evelyn’s death, Caroline says the hospice has continued to support them through their grief.
She said: “Some of our most cherished moments are the simplest ones like having family cuddles during our respite stays at Martin House where we could just be Mummy and Daddy rather than carers. We also treasure the memories of taking her to some of our favourite places, and her being fully immersed in our everyday life at home.
“They continue to help us navigate the emotional rollercoaster that comes after the worst has already happened, highlighting the importance of bereavement support and community for families facing similar loss.”
Since losing their daughter, Caroline and Michael have channelled their grief into fundraising, raising more than £120,000 to help other families access the same care. She also hopes to raise awareness of what children’s hospices really do, saying many people misunderstand their role.
Caroline said: “Fundraising is our coping mechanism, every event keeps Evelyn present and in the minds of those who know us. We want to ensure that other families facing the unthinkable never have to feel like they are coping alone.
“Many people think hospices are just about the end of life, but for us, Martin House was about living comfortably and making time to celebrate small milestones as a family, while these places handle immense sadness, they are also full of life, hope and fun.”
Caroline is now preparing to take part in the Dragon Boat Race at Roundhay Park this weekend, leading Team Evelyn in her daughter’s memory. She said: “We made a promise to Evelyn that she would always be talked about. Every fundraising event that we do as Team Evelyn is a way of ensuring her short life leaves a very long legacy.
“It is an honour and a privilege, there is a special pride in seeing her name on our shirts and knowing that her life is still making a tangible difference in the world. It’s how we keep our promise to her.
“Evelyn’s life mattered, just like every Martin House child matters, your support isn’t just about a race. It’s about providing a beacon of hope for families when their world is collapsing. You are helping to provide the gift of time to families who need it most.”Caroline will be one of 500 rowers making a splash for cash when Martin House Children’s Hospice’s annual Dragon Boat Race returns to Roundhay Park this weekend. To find out more about Martin House and how you can support it, visit the website, here.
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