Fundraiser in memory of baby who died at nine weeks old will support Sheffield Children's Hospital

Jacob Oliver Clancy died from SIDS - Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or cot death - in January 2018, after doctors were sadly unable to revive him at Barnsley Hospital.

His body was then taken to Sheffield Children’s Hospital, where he was looked after by Rose Cottage, a specialised children’s mortuary which also provides emotional support for recently bereaved parents.

The care Jacob and his mum Jacklyn received there was so sensitive and compassionate, the family wanted to thank the staff for their support and also help other parents going through the unimaginable pain of losing a child.

Jacob Oliver Clancy story: Jacklyn Clancy with son TJ (8) and daughter Sophie (6).

Jacob’s grandma Maria Dykes, who has organised the event along with Jacklyn and Jacob’s other grandma Jill Clancy, said it was a cause very close to their hearts.

She said: “The ladies who worked at Rose Cottage were so good with Jacob and Jacklyn and looked after them so well.

“It doesn’t get much government funding so we wanted to raise some money to help them keep providing such a valuable service.

“And raising money for them has helped Jacklyn and the family deal with losing Jacob as well.”

The event will be held at the Royston Midland club in Barnsley on Friday, January 17, and will feature a raffle, live music, a DJ, food and games.

Maria said they are hoping to raise at least £1,500, which the Card Factory in Barnsley - where her sister is a manager - have said they will match.

In a Facebook post advertising the event, Jacklyn, 28, who also has a boy of eight and a six-year-old girl, said she was ‘numb’ after losing Jacob, but that knowing he was so well looked after was a ‘comfort in the most tragic situation’.

Sally Shearer, executive director of nursing and quality at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, said: “The team at Rose Cottage are dedicated to supporting families who have experienced the loss of a child, and deliver their care with utmost compassion. Donations to the team really help families at this difficult time.”