Books donated in memory of Birstall couple’s son

A couple who suffered a personal tragedy when their foster son died have donated a haul of a books to a hospital in his memory.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Jan 2015, 10:00 BST
SPOKEN WORD Asdas Barry McCormick, senior sister Sue Oddy and Chris Head, who donated dozens of books.SPOKEN WORD Asdas Barry McCormick, senior sister Sue Oddy and Chris Head, who donated dozens of books.
SPOKEN WORD Asdas Barry McCormick, senior sister Sue Oddy and Chris Head, who donated dozens of books.

Chris and Vicky Head gave £270 worth of books to Leeds General Infirmary’s neonatal unit with help from Asda Leeds Home Shopping Centre.

The Birstall couple’s fostered baby was taken into hospital with complex medical needs but died despite the efforts of medical staff.

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Mr Head said: “During his time in hospital we couldn’t hold or hug our son because of the nature of his condition. We were always by his side but because we couldn’t touch him it felt like we were a million miles away.

“Reading to him was a great comfort to Vicky and I throughout his treatment. It helped to maintain a sense of connection.

“Despite our loss, we would like to thank everyone at the LGI for everything they did for us. We hope that these books can bring comfort to other parents and help get them through difficult times.”

Senior sister Sue Oddy said “This is a fantastic donation and will bring comfort to the hundreds of parents we see every year. The money raised will go to supporting the work done on the unit.

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“Everyone on the neonatal unit would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to Chris and Vicky and everyone at Asda Leeds Home Shopping Centre for this generous donation.”

After hearing about the couple’s experience, staff at Asda raised £70 to buy books alongside the £200 that the couple raised themselves.

It funded enough books to cover one for every cot.

The store plans to make the unit its charity for the year.

Related topics:Leeds General InfirmaryReadingASDA