Our son Alfie was tragically born in a critical condition on the 21st of July 2020, 6 days before his due date.

Alfie was absolutely perfect, weighing in at 7lbs 5oz, with dark hair and navy blue eyes. His sweet face captured the hearts of everyone who laid eyes on him.

Alfie required resuscitation at birth, immediately followed by a blood transfusion, without which Alfie would not have survived the short time that he did. For that, we are forever grateful to the Irish Blood Transfusion Service. The service they provide, and the donors who give so selflessly, gave us something that no one else could have; time with our precious boy to make memories, take photographs, and to introduce him to his big sister Emilia, grandparents and uncles.

Although the Irish Blood Transfusion Service cannot accept monetary donations we hope to support them by raising awareness of their cause and encouraging others to consider blood donation.

Following admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Alfie underwent therapeutic hypothermia in an attempt to slow the damage caused to his brain. The next four days were incredibly traumatic. We attempted to hold on to hope but the reality was clear. Alfie would not survive his injuries.

Intubation, hypothermic treatment, blood transfusions, oedema, IV infusions, seizures, blood tests, constant EEG's, the list was endless.. and throughout it all Alfie remained motionless.

During these harrowing days Alfie needed a platelet transfusion, again into facing a particularly difficult time in his journey. At 4am on his third night of life Blood Bike South arrived to the hospital, having travelled through the night to transport platelets from Dublin. What an amazing organisation. We will never forget the impact they had on us and our time with Alfie and we will be forever grateful. The work Blood Bike South does deserves continuous recognition and support.

MRI results given to us on the 24th of July were devastating. Alfie was almost completely brain dead and had multi organ failure. Alfie had severe Hypoxic-ischemic Encephalopathy. Any hope we had that our baby boy would survive this was gone, and our whole world fell apart.

July 25th.

The day that Alfie died.

Every moment of that day will be forever etched in our minds. Emilia came in to say her goodbyes, we sang songs, read books and held his little hand.

Following multiple seizures the night he was born Alfie closed his eyes and did not open them again, with the exception of a fleeting moment on his final day.

Shortly after 6pm Alfie's life support was removed. We had been told to prepare for a potentially long night, and the possibility that Alfie may live for some time. However, after removing Alfies intubation he passed away immediately, in Aidan's arms. I had held him for 39weeks and 1day, Aidan held him for his final moments. Having your precious child die in front of your eyes is utterly devastating and something that no parents should have to endure.

The days and weeks that followed were agonising, we felt lost and overwhelmed. There was nowhere to turn and it felt like there was no one to talk to, that no one could help us... until someone put us in touch with First Light. An incredible charity who offer support to suddenly bereaved families. Through the First Light charity Aidan and I had multiple counselling sessions, all organised and funded by First Light. Their assistance at such a difficult time was invaluable, and again we will be forever grateful.

As Alfie died during the height of Covid, support services were extremely limited. However, A Little Lifetime offered support through secure forums and online support groups. This wonderful charity provides information and support to bereaved parents and families whose baby dies or is expected to die and is a charity deserving of support.

While Aidan and I were in the hospital with Alfie after his death we discussed fundraising in his honour, we knew we had to raise awareness for those who had a massive impact on our time with him and who would be there to support us after his death.

Alfie would be turning four this year, 2024. Having lived for four days we felt this year was significant for our fundraising campaign. Our aim is to raise €4,000 for four charities. During the charity campaign Aidan will be completing the four Quest Adventure Races in Alfies memory. We will also hold mini fundraisers throughout the year to encourage support for the wonderful charities we have chosen.

Our fourth and final charity is the Cork City Hospitals Children's Club. It is important to us that while fundraising in Alfie's name that we bring some joy to sick and deserving children. Had Alfie survived his injuries, he would have faced a lifetime of disability and illness. It is important to us while recognising deserving charities, that we also spread a little happiness for children and families going through difficult and traumatic times.

We hope that 4Alfie will gain support throughout the next few months, as we aim to raise awareness, support worthy charities and have Alfie's story heard.

Please follow along on our Instagram page for updates: @_4Alfie_

We so appreciate your support.

Thank you,

Amanda and Aidan

4Alfie

Created by Aidan and Amanda O'Reilly

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