Award for Leeds mum's fundraising in memory of baby Freddie

Lucyanne Harris, from Guiseley, Leeds, was presented with the award from Bliss, the premature and sick baby charity, at a ceremony in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Lucy’s twins Bea and Freddie were born at 24 weeks gestation in 2014. Sadly, Freddie died after six days.

After his death, Freddie’s family decided to set up a Bliss Precious Star fund in his name, which to date has raised over £12,000.

As well as receiving individual donations, Lucyanne and her family have organised numerous fundraising events and have also received sponsorship support from property company Telereal Trillium.

Now pregnant with her third child, Lucyanne is now also fundraising for Bliss in the name of Freddie’s twin sister, having started a Bliss Sunshine fund to celebrate Bea having made it through against the odds.

She said: “It feels lovely to be recognised for raising money in Freddie’s memory, it’s really precious.

“It was quite emotional hearing our story told in front of everybody but with Bea being such a happy energetic child, it shows that 24 week-ers can come through.

“I’m now 32 weeks pregnant and due in September. It’s the most pregnant I’ve ever been.

“I know exactly what my baby looks like, but I don’t know how being this pregnant feels.

“The baby I’m carrying now weighs more than Freddie and Bea put together. I’ll probably carry on fundraising and would like to become a Bliss volunteer once everything’s calmed down with the new baby.”

The Bliss Precious Star Funds help remember a lost loved one and raise money in their memory towards the vital work improving the life chances of babies born premature or sick.

Caroline Davey, chief executive of Bliss, said Lucyanne had made an “invaluable contribution”.

“We are so lucky to have so many wonderful supporters like Lucyanne – the support of each and every one of them is invaluable in helping us to achieve our ambition to reach every single baby born needing neonatal care in the UK and their family. It’s great to have the opportunity to highlight their achievements.”

Donate: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Freddie-A-Harris