Couple raise funds for hospice after baby son's death

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 17:33 · Archive

Harriet and Sam Oti have raised over £6,000 for Derian House Children's Hospice in memory of their son Malachi, who died during birth in October.

Harriet and Sam Oti from Southport have raised more than £6,000 for Derian House Children's Hospice in memory of their son Malachi, who was born on 29 October 2025 and died during birth. They are sharing their story during Baby Loss Awareness Week to help other bereaved parents feel less alone.

Malachi was diagnosed with anencephaly at 14 weeks of pregnancy, a life-limiting condition. The couple chose to continue the pregnancy to meet their son, and Derian House began supporting the family from 20 weeks, helping them prepare for birth and create memory-making keepsakes. These included a 4D scan and a weighted teddy bear made from Malachi's baby clothes.

Harriet, 25, said the teddy bear provided comfort after birth. 'After I had Malachi, I struggled a lot with having empty arms and would physically feel like I needed to hold him and feel his weight,' she said. 'Having this teddy bear gave me the physical sense my body needed at the time, but it also provided us with a really special keepsake of Malachi.' She added: 'It is so important to remember our babies and talk about them. They are part of our families, and just because they are no longer here, it doesn't mean we should stop sharing their stories.'

How it is being reported

• 'I physically feel like I needed to hold him and feel his weight' Grieving mum supports Chorley's Derian HouseMalachi Oti was born on the 29th October 2025 and sadly passed away during birth. “It is so important to remember our babies and talk about them,” said mum Harriet, 25, who is telling her story to support Chorley’s Derian House Hospice, as part of Baby Loss Awareness Week.Chorley Guardian · 14 Oct, 05:30
• Parents turn heartbreak into hope after tragic loss of baby sonSouthport couple Harriet and Sam Oti have raised more than £6,000 for Derian House in memory of their baby son Malachi, helping other bereaved families create precious keepsakesLancashire Telegraph · 14 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Harriet Oti · Sam Oti · Derian House Children's Hospice · Southport · Chorley

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