THIS weekend, 12 West Cork men will climb Carraountoohill, the highest peak in Ireland, and cycle the 186km Ring of Kerry in a bid to raise money for Féileacáin, which supports those affected by stillbirth and neonatal death.
Courtney Canning and Caroline Crowley’s baby, Alex Canning, was born sleeping on May 16th 2023.
‘As any parent that has been through the same experience will know, it is truly devastating,’ stated Courtney, who now lives in Clonakilty with Caroline. ‘The Féileacáin charity were incredible and provided unwavering support and comfort to our family after our loss.’
‘From meeting us in the hospital and taking hand and footprints of Baby Alex, to regular meetings with constant support and reassurance, we will be eternally grateful for their hardworking team,’ shared Caroline. ‘When you are grieving you do not realise that there is such a short window of time to ensure memories of your much-loved baby are recorded.’
Alex’s death was completely unexpected. The couple’s first two children, Bill (5) and Jack (3), had been born without complications at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH). The couple were devastated to be told their baby no longer had a heartbeat on a routine scan.
‘Our story is one of hope for any other couple that suffers a similar loss, as almost a year to the day we had our fourth son, George Alexander Canning. He is thriving and has brought such happiness to our family. We feel so lucky to have him,’ said Caroline.
Féileacáin was founded in Skibbereen in 2009 when grieving parents realised there was no dedicated group to offer advice and support. It receives no State funding and operates entirely through fundraising and donations from families impacted by the death of a child.
Caroline and Courtney wanted to support Féileacáin with their work, and channel their grief into something positive, in honour of their much-adored baby Alex. Courtney and his friends are undertaking the Peak to Pedal challenge to raise money for the charity.
The couple are grateful for all donations that will help them reach their goal of €50,000. Donations can be made online at peaktopedal.com.
