Jet and helicopter operator SaxonAir, based at Norwich Airport, get ready to support the future of aviation through the launch of an ‘Electrical Propulsion Innovation Zone’ as local MP Chloe Smith visits the International Aviation Academy at Norwich during the Department for Transport’s launch of their new campaign to boost aviation recruitment, Generation Aviation. SaxonAir, alongside NUNCATS, NEBOair, and Swift Aircraft have joined forces to put together a showcase of Electric Aircraft at the academy, following the recent Summer School success which saw students given the opportunity to take part in the build of an electric aircraft, trying their hand at basic engineering. The group have also collectively formed the NetZero General Aviation Training Group (NGAT) and will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during Chloe Smith’s visit on 4th November 2022. NGAT will look at the specific training requirements that net zero aviation development requires, recognising the cross-over with STEM opportunities as well as general engineering training opportunities – in particular, electric automotive engineering, with other transport sectors represented locally. The formation of NGAT reinforces SaxonAir’s commitment to the future of electric aviation, following their recent work with NEBOair to champion an aircraft charging network and take electric aviation to the next level. SaxonAir CEO Alex Durand said: “Norwich’s International Aviation Academy has significant potential. A unique space with workshops and classrooms spaces, the academy hosts a fully certified Boeing 737 allowing an exclusive opportunity to apply aircraft engineering theory to live aircraft – which we believe was a world first.” “The Academy is incredibly relevant to STEM pathways and raising local aspirations. To demonstrate our commitment to propelling the future of aviation, we have taken a lease in the building and are already delivering Flight Attendant training alongside other courses, which alternative engineering pathways in development which may have relevance to beyond the aviation sector,” he continued. “And in light of the government launching their new campaign to boost aviation recruitment, we believe now is the time to accelerate efforts to upskill young people and offer them basic engineering skills which can be delivered for school, Further Education and Apprenticeship levels with specialism into aviation, automotive and similar coming later,” he concluded. Norse Group CEO Justin Galliford said, “We are proud to host this initiative and look forward to seeing the project come to fruition. The work that NGAT will undertake will see high-value job opportunities for local young people and tackle the issue of skill shortages in the aviation industry.” Photo credit: SaxonAir
Spooky new arrivals These mischievous kittens came into our care last month and were given suitably spooky names to celebrate Halloween season. They are Pumpkin, Cauldron and the ‘Hocus Pocus’ trio of Winifred, Billy Butcherson and Mary. They have cast a spell on us all and we think they’ll probably make you fall in love with them too! Countdown to Christmas Christmas Events With Christmas getting ever closer there are plenty of opportunities for you to visit us at a Christmas event. You can do some gift shopping, bring your dog to see Santa or play our fundraising games. All the money raised at these events will go straight to caring for animals in our Branch area. Beccles Christmas Lights Switch OnDate: Friday 25th November Time: 5.00pm – 9.00pm Beccles will be lighting up the town with Christmas spirit, hosting its annual light switch on. This is a free to attend event with varied stalls and Christmas entertainment. Hockwold Hall Christmas FayreDate: Sunday 4th December Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm With over 150 stalls there is something for everyone at this annual event. Please visit Hockwold Hall’s website for ticket information. Santa’s Grotto for DogsVenue: The Forum, Norwich Date: Saturday 10th December Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm We are back at the Forum for this annual event. Bring your dog along to visit Santa in his grotto, browse the stalls for some last-minute Christmas gifts for the people (and the dogs) in your life or play our fundraising games. Our Animal Welfare team will also be on hand to answer any questions. Canine Carol ConcertVenue: Holkham Hall Date: Tuesday 20th December Time: 10.00am – 2.00pm The concert takes place between 10.00am and 11.00am on the lawn outside the Hall, then there will be stalls to browse until 2.00pm in the Courtyard. Bring your pooch, enjoy the carols, browse the stalls then maybe enjoy a walk around the beautiful Holkham Estate. (Parking charge applies). Details on the Holkham Hall website. Christmas Cards Christmas cards are available to purchase in all our charity shops or online via our eBay shop. We have lots of lovely animal themed designs to choose from, all cards are recyclable and 100% of the proceeds go to our branch. Petplan & ADCH Animal Charity awards Nominations for The Petplan and Association of Dogs & Cats Homes Animal Charity Awards 2023 are open! Have you had a good experience with our Branch? Maybe you adopted one of our animals or had help from a member of our team. If so, please nominate us for the Petplan & ADCH Animal Charity awards. The awards celebrate the outstanding work of staff and volunteers in animal charities and not-for-profit organisations across the UK, Ireland and Channel Islands. They are a great opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication put in by teams and individuals who have gone that extra mile to help rescue and rehome animals in need. The three nomination categories are:
Animal Charity Team of the Year
Animal Charity Employee of the Year
Animal Charity Volunteer of the Year
Head to the Petplan website to submit a nomination: Nominate | Animal Charity Awards 2023 | Petplan Nominations close in the New Year. Super Mario! Meet Mario, a stunning seal point tabby who was adopted from the Branch in December 2021. As well as an adoption success story he is also a lifesaving superhero as a registered feline blood donor! A variety of conditions can cause severe anaemia in cats and sometimes this results in the need for a life-saving blood transfusion. Other blood products such as plasma (the fluid in blood without the blood cells) may also be required on occasions for management of some conditions. Unfortunately, cat blood cannot be stored in the same way that human and dog blood can, so ‘blood banks’ do not work for cats. More and more veterinary practices therefore have their own register of lifesaver cats that they can call on to donate blood in an emergency. If you have a healthy cat or dog aged between 1 and 10 years, then they too may be able to help save the lives of their four-legged friends. Speak to your local vet or visit Pet Blood Bank UKFireworks and bonfires during the festive season Bonfires If possible, build bonfires close to the time of lighting and check them thoroughly for animals before lighting. This can help save the lives of hedgehogs and other small animals. Fireworks Loud fireworks can be terrifying for animals, but there are things you can do to help them cope. 69% of UK adults with a pet take at least one measure to help relax or prepare their animal for firework season. Playing relaxing music is the most common. Classic FM, partnered with national RSPCA, will broadcast two special programmes from 5.00pm to 9.00pm on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th November of specially curated soothing music to help calm pets. How to calm dogs during fireworks Planning ahead can help dogs cope with the fireworks season. Before the fireworks season starts, provide your dog with a doggy safe haven. This should be a quiet area, so choose one of the quietest rooms in your home – a place where they feel in control. Don’t interfere with your dog when they’re in that area. Train your dog to associate the area with positive experiences, e.g. by leaving their favourite toys there, but not imposing yourself at any time. Use a variety of chew toys, such as stuffed Kongs and chews. Swap them regularly, putting them away when not in use so that your dog doesn’t become bored with them. With time, dogs can learn that this place is safe and enjoyable. When fireworks go off, they may choose to go there because they know, in that place, they are safe. It’s important that your dog has access to this doggy safe haven at all times – even when you’re not at home. When the fireworks start
Walk your dog during daylight hours to avoid times when fireworks are likely to be set off.
Move your dog to the safe haven each evening before the fireworks begin. Provide toys and other things that they enjoy in the safe haven.
Make sure there are things for you to do too, so your dog isn’t left alone.
Close windows and curtains to muffle the sound of fireworks. Blackout your doggy safe haven, so they can’t see any flashes outside.
Put on some music or TV to mask the firework sounds.
Ignore the firework noises yourself. Play with a toy to see if your dog wants to join in, but don’t force them to play.
You could also talk to your vet about pheromone diffusers. These disperse calming chemicals into the room and may be a good option for your dog. In some cases, your vet may even prescribe medication. How to help cats who are afraid of fireworks • Keep them indoors to avoid them becoming stressed. • Provide hiding places in your home e.g. under furniture or a quiet corner. • Don’t stress your cat by trying to tempt them out. Leave them until they’re ready. • Microchip your cats in case they’re startled and escape outside How to help small animals during fireworks
Partly cover outside cages and pens with blankets so it’s soundproofed and hidden, leaving an area for animals to look out.
Provide bedding for small animals to burrow in.
Consider bringing them indoors – this will need to be done gradually, so plan ahead.
Keeping horses safe during fireworks It’s not just the animals in your home that can be scared of fireworks – horses can be too. If you’re a horse owner:
Know in advance – check to see if there are going to be any firework displays in your area.
Talk to the organisers – where possible, explain there are horses nearby and ask them to set off their fireworks in the opposite direction.
Get advice from the British Horse Society (BHS) – for top tips on keeping your horse safe and secure during the firework season. Calling all stitchers! If you (or someone in your family) knows how to sew, then our Animal Welfare Team would love for you to make them some fabric cat carrier covers. Carrier covers keep our cats calm and prevent the spread of disease when they are being transported to veterinary visits or foster homes. The measurements and guidelines are shown below. All we ask is that the fabric used is breathable and washable; repurposed duvet and pillow covers are ideal! If you are able to make a cover for us it can be dropped off at one of our charity shops or our HQ in Ashwellthorpe (Monday to Friday between 10.00am and 4.00pm). Cat Carrier Cover Sewing GuidelinesFabric measurements
Using the measurements above, mark out the panels on the back of your fabric or draw the templates onto paper and pin them on.
Cut 3 panels measuring 13 x 20 inches and 2 panels measuring 13 x 13 inches (add a seam allowance of ½ inch on all panels).
Put one of the long panels aside (this will be the top of your carrier).
With the right sides facing together, fit and pin the side panels to the front and back sections. Sew the panels together along the short sides.
Take the top section and measure out the hole for the carrier handles as below (6″ x 2″).
6. Cut the fabric along the dotted lines, fold the four sections back and pin to the back of the fabric. Stitch around the opening to secure them in place. 7. Attach the top section to the other panels by sewing along all four edges. 8. Finally sew a hem of approximately a ¼ inch along the bottom edges Free Will Writing with Farewill We have teamed up with Farewill, National Will Writing Firm of the Year 2021, to provide free wills to our supporters. We understand that you’ll want to think about your family and friends when writing your will, that’s why there is no obligation to leave a gift to us if you choose to write your will through Farewill. If you do choose to leave a us gift however, no matter how big or small the amount, you will be leaving behind a kinder future for animals in need. To claim your free will simply choose from one of the options below to get the process started. You can choose to write your will online or if you would prefer to speak to someone you can request a call from one of their helpful customer care team. Every will is checked by one of their specialists so you can be confident that your wishes will be respected. Write your will online Get started online straight away and complete your free will in as little as 30 minutes. Simply complete the online form and enter the voucher code ‘RSPCAMN-WEB’ at check-out. Write your will over the phone You can also complete your will over the phone by requesting a callback. Remember to quote our charity name on the call. Sign up to their newsletter here
Fresh Start new beginnings hosted their second afternoon tea last Friday at the Mercure Norwich hotel. With over one hundred attendees, they also welcomed the Lord mayor, Sheriff and her consorts along with Deputy Lieutenant Alexandra Bartram and Karen Vincent Chairman of Norfolk County Council. Fresh Start new beginnings provides therapeutic support for children and young people in Norfolk and Suffolk who have been victims of sexual abuse. As they continue to see demand for its services rise events like this become increasingly important to raise awareness. The afternoon featured presentations from speakers Chris Sargisson and Jeremy Indika, about their lived experiences of child sexual abuse. Their bravery in sharing their stories, gave people an insight into how the trauma has impacted them throughout their lives, particularly when no support is available to them. They gave a voice to the 16000 children in Norfolk alone, that have been victims of sexual abuse. Highlighting the important work Fresh Start new beginnings do, that every child who has been affected by child sexual abuse should be able to access the support they need to recover and rebuild their futures. Sandra Lucas – Corporate and event fundraiser says “We were so pleased with the positive feedback following the event. Many attendees commented that they had no idea about the prevalence of child sexual abuse. Since Friday we have been overwhelmed with the offers of support for the charity. We hope to continue to grow our service so that every child can access the support they want and need.” With thanks to Larking Gowen for sponsoring the event, to all those that attended and to our speakers.
With the cost of living on the rise and energy prices increasing, it’s important for businesses to find ways to be more efficient in order to reduce their energy consumption and cut back on bills. Overusing energy is costly, and it can happen easily as a result of something as simple as leaving a computer on overnight. Basic housekeeping can save in the region of 5-10%. Take a look at our top tips below to help you. Ensure staff have switched off their computers before they go home It might seem like common sense, but it’s often the simplest things which get forgotten. The clock is fast approaching home time, there’s only a few minutes left to finish off what you’re working on before packing up and making a mad dash for the door. It’s probably safe to say most of us have been in a similar situation and there’s no time to wait the couple of minutes it takes to shut down our computer or we simply forget in the mad rush. Firstly, it’s also not great for computers to be left on overnight so you could end up with a hefty repair or replacement bills. Secondly, by turning it off, you could save your business a few pounds on its electricity bills. Now have a think about how many computers you have in your office, and you’ll soon see there’s a creditable amount of saving to be made. It might also be worth considering turning them off at the plug socket on weekends and holidays as machines and appliances continue to draw power even when they are plugged in. Encourage employees to only boil the water they need for a cup of tea We know how important tea breaks can be, not only to get our daily dose of caffeine but they have also been proven to increase productivity! Let’s be clear, we aren’t suggesting you should cut them out of your routine or even ask your employees to measure out each cup of water, merely just to encourage them to only boil what they need. There’s no point in boiling the same water repeatedly and by simply reminding your staff to be considerate it could make a difference. Install motion sensitive lighting We can all be forgiven for not remembering to switch off the lights each time we leave a room, it’s especially easy where you don’t necessarily need them. Motion sensitive lighting does all the hard work for you and turn off automatically when rooms are not in use and can therefore help to drive down your electricity usage. Make the most of the natural light in the summer months by opening blinds during the day as this will also help! Put up energy saving posters to remind your staff everyday Remind employees of any energy saving measures by putting up posters to prompt them. These could be polite reminders to staff regarding things like turning off their computers before leaving or only boiling the necessary water. Something like this is simple to implement but can earn significant results. Invest in energy saving technologies and products Many business owners are unaware of the big differences pieces of equipment make in the workplace. Although they can sometimes cost more up front, energy efficient devices can save you money over the years of use. They also bring with them several other benefits including greater mobility. Switching to laptops, for example, which use less energy than desktop computers, can enable staff to become more flexible in where and when they work. Choose equipment with an A+ energy rating, and you can expect cheaper energy bills — balancing out the purchase price. There you have it, our top tips to help your business be more energy efficient. If you would like any more information, please get in touch hello@indigoswan.co.uk or call us 01603 625522 Image credits Chambers Canva Pro
A help point at a Greater Anglia station. Credit: Greater Anglia Greater Anglia is improving customer help points at stations, following feedback from customers about response times and connectivity. The train firm is using AI technology on a number of its station help points to ensure customers can get the answers they need quicker. Customers using help points at stations fitted with the AI technology will be able to get answers to questions such as what train they need to catch and what time the next train is leaving more quickly – simply by pressing the blue ‘information’ button. The AI system, called ‘IVY’, will supplement teams who answer the help points manually, freeing up operators to deal with more complex queries. The system will also automatically put a customer through to an operator if anyone says they need assistance or help in emergencies. Users can also press the dedicated green ‘emergency’ button. The new system can be updated as it evolves with additional features in the future such as giving more information such as the cost of tickets. The first help point with the new technology will be unveiled at Lea Bridge station on Monday 31 October, with Greater Anglia managers present between 10.30am – 12.30pm to show how it works and ask customers what they think about it. The IVY system is also being installed in help points at Acle, Beccles, Braintree Freeport, Bury St Edmunds, Cromer, Dovercourt, Enfield Lock, Harlow Mill, Hythe, Ponders End, Prittlewell, Sheringham and Waltham Cross stations in the coming months. Neil Atkin, Greater Anglia’s Head of Customer Experience, said: “We’re always listening to our customers and this innovative AI system has been developed based on their feedback. “It will make our help points better for our customers, particularly at our unstaffed stations and when the connection may not be 100% clear or answered as quickly as customers always need. “We’re looking forward to unveiling the first one at Lea Bridge on 31 October and seeing how the technology evolves going forward to help customers even further.”
LSI Architects have been certified as a Carbon Neutral Business by Carbon Neutral Britain. This follows a period in which LSI Architects have been working with Carbon Neutral Britain to measure and calculate the total Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions produced directly and indirectly from it’s activities to identify what action the practice needed to take to reverse it’s environmental impact to achieve carbon neutral status. As certification awarded by an external organisation, it provides assurance that the carbon neutral claim is robust and credible, following calculation using the ISO 14064 and GHG Protocol Emissions Standard principles of relevance, completeness, consistency, transparency and accuracy. Through the Carbon Neutral Britain Climate Fund™, LSI Architects has offset its total carbon emissions through internationally certified carbon offsetting projects. Chief Executive Officer Ben Goode commented: “We hope that this can give our clients, employees and colleagues within the construction industry an assurance that we are doing all we can as an organisation to reduce our impact on the planet. We have been working hard to understand what that impact is through an emissions mapping exercise to calculate the carbon footprint of the Norwich and London offices. So far, we have leased a new long-range EV as our pool car to cut out petrol usage and reduced the use of gas and electric by c. 10% through behavioural changes and improved heating schedules. Alongside joining an electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme we have offered employees incentives to consider switching to electric vehicles and are exploring other ways in which we can incentivise our team to use more sustainable modes of transport. We are also in the process of modelling our Norwich office to identify the most effective improvements we can make to the building and are beginning to plan for the installation of Solar Panels. Ultimately, we are viewing this very much as the first step in a journey and our main target is to achieve net zero emissions from our office activities at both our Norwich and London premises by 2030.” Image provided by LSI architects
Who you gonna call? Sci-fi fanatics have become un-boo-lievable fundraisers by using their passion for cult classic Ghostbusters to support East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). The Norfolk Ghostbusters are a group of die-hard film fans who dress as characters from the blockbuster and attend comic book conventions. They have bucket collections for EACH, as well as using banners, flags and balloons to raise awareness of the charity, which supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions. The group have been raising funds throughout the year and recently delivered a cheque for £379 to The Nook, in Framingham Earl, where they met EACH community fundraising assistant Megan Kemp. “It’s been great fun, getting in the spirit and combining our passion for the film with fundraising for EACH,” said founding member Anthony Shellard. “I remember being at a convention once and seeing the amount of money people were making selling all kinds of things. It made me think that it would be amazing to have some fun while at the same time raising funds for a worthy cause. “We wanted to support a charity we all believe in and that’s when we came across EACH. “It’s perfect because it helps families and children across Norfolk. “Raising funds and spreading awareness is our way of giving something back for the incredible work it does.” The Norfolk Ghostbusters consist of Anthony, Carl Smith, Kim and Ross Wainwright, Darren Porter, Ian Rudd and Aaron Storey. Wives, children and other family members also get involved and this year the group have attended ‘comic-cons’ in Great Yarmouth, Norwich, Ipswich, Colchester and London, as well as carrying out a street collection in Great Yarmouth. Since delivering their cheque they have raised an additional £81 and the group have already said they will continue supporting EACH in 2023. “I’ve always been a massive Ghostbusters fan and love all science-fiction, especially from the 1980s,” added construction manager Anthony, who lives in Caister-on-Sea with wife Michelle and children Miles, seven, and Millie, five. “I built a full-size Dalek and Tardis for my wedding and then started making Ghostbusters props, which led to starting the Norfolk Ghostbusters along with Super Power Parties. “We started getting invited along to birthday parties, weddings and other events and people have wanted photos for all different occasions. “Doing this is a way of putting smiles on faces, as well as raising money. “In addition to our bucket collections, people can also donate directly to the charity via our Facebook page.” Megan said: “It was lovely meeting up with the Norfolk Ghostbusters. “They dressed in their amazing costumes for our cheque presentation and have done such an amazing job supporting us and raising funds throughout the year. “We’re extremely grateful and it’s great knowing they plan to continue supporting us next year, too.” Pictured from left to right in the photo at The Nook are Kim, Ian, Darren, Anthony, Ross, Carl and Aaron. Aaron’s children Freddie and Robyn also joined them on the day. Image credits EACH
Mark reflects on the chat earlier this year with artificial intelligence specialist, Alix Rübsaam. In this BITESIZE episode she discusses accessibility and legislation around algorithms, what businesses can do now to keep up with what’s coming, and how discrimination and bias works across apps, websites etc. She also covers avoiding compliancy around the technology whilst pursuing efficiency and outsourcing to it. This episode is the perfect buddy to last week’s chat with Alison Alexander on the metaverse. We recommend you listen to both to get a full picture of the future of tech and the internet, and how technology will impact the human element of how we perform business. You can listen to the full episode with Alix here, and why not follow up with Alison’s episode here. Don’t forget you can also WATCH both episodes on our YouTube channel!GET IN TOUCH! We would love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode, email us at podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk or leave us a voice note here. You can listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcast, or click here to listen now! We would also love it if you could rate us 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, this really helps people find us! Thank you to our sponsors Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors – check out their website to see how they could help your business www.larking-gowen.co.uk
Christmas has arrived at Chantry Place Norwich with new lights, selfie spots and extended opening hours in November and December. Chantry Place, home to brands including Apple, House of Fraser, Langleys, Lush, Rituals and Wagamama, is now decked out for Christmas with a ‘Trio of Twinkling Trees’ on Chantry Square, replacing the popular ‘tunnel of stars’ last year, plus an 8 metre Christmas tree and a Santa’s sleigh to sit in inside the Centre! Visitors will also have even longer to shop as Chantry Place brings back Thursday late night shopping until 8pm throughout November and December, and selected retailers will also be trading until 8pm in December on Fridays and Saturdays (check chantryplace.co.uk). The Centre will close at 5pm on Christmas Eve and reopen on Boxing Day. Paul McCarthy, general manager of Chantry Place, said: “It really has been a fantastic year for Chantry Place and we are ending the year on a high with the launch of our new Christmas lights, which also includes various reindeer to spot around the Centre – see if you can spot the one with the red nose! We can’t wait to see all the photos and smiles from everyone when they see Santa’s sleigh and walk through our wonderful gold trees on the Square. People are shopping earlier this year than ever before and we have gifts for everyone, from toys to perfume, beauty, chocolates, fashion, home and more. We also have more Christmas news to announce soon, including making 12 of our visitors Christmas wishes come true with our magical post box, plus support of a charity Christmas appeal, pop ups, retailer news and more.” This year, Chantry Place has welcomed several new retailers including Rituals, Hobbs, Whistles and Phase Eight, Laser Clinic and a Hotel Chocolat café. For more information on Chantry Place, visit www.ChantryPlace.co.uk or follow chantryplacenorwich on social media. Image credits Chantry Place
Are you expanding your Business? Do you have plans to improve productivity or efficiency? Are you launching new products or services? Did you know the New Anglia Growth Hub Small Grant Scheme Offers grants of between £1,000 – £25,000 to help your business grow To see if you meet the criteria and are eligible to make an application, further details can be found here or contact us. info@newangliagrowthhub.co.uk 0300 333 6536 Here are case studies who have already benefitted from Growth Hub support and the Small Grant Scheme https://www.newangliagrowthhub.co.uk/success-story/signs-express/https://www.newangliagrowthhub.co.uk/success-story/alpha-inclusion/ Images provided by New Anglia LEP
A mum whose son died after just nine weeks says regular counselling sessions are proving a godsend while dealing with her “overwhelming, unbearable” grief. Cobey Mason was born prematurely at nearly 33 weeks on 11th November, 2021. He had a condition called hydrops fetalis and scans revealed a tumour around his right lung. Bleeding complications meant surgeons were only able to remove 90% of it and he remained critically ill at Great Ormand Street Hospital, in London. Cobey started chemotherapy but his body was unable to cope and, due to the aggressive type of cancer, another tumour developed. He gained his “angel wings” on 17th January 2022 and, ever since, mum Kristina has been receiving bereavement counselling at the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) base near Norwich. She makes regular trips to The Nook, in Framingham Earl, and says those sessions – both individual and group – have played a key role in helping her navigate the pain of Cobey’s death. “Grieving has been what I can only describe as a very unpredictable journey for me,” said Kristina, who lives in Norwich. “I’ve experienced every emotion possible and it’s been overwhelming. “I found it very hard to accept at the beginning, until I began having one-to-one counselling at The Nook. “Thanks to that, and in time, I’ve slowly been able to accept and understand our journey. “I understand my feelings and also the different stages of grief. “At the start, the thought of counselling was extremely daunting but it’s something I’d definitely recommend to others in a similar situation. “The grief from your baby or child passing away is unbearable and can be so lonely. “However, I find it comforting having other mums and dads around me, knowing they’re living, and trying to cope, with exactly the same thing.” Cobey’s condition, hydrops fetalis, meant fluid was retained in the wrong parts of his body. Kristina, 31, feared something was wrong even before he was born. “There was reduced movement and I had a feeling something wasn’t right, so was told to visit the hospital for monitoring,” she said. “At one point various professionals entered the room, and I was told my baby needed to be delivered straight away via caesarean under general anaesthetic. “I have little memory from that day but remember coming round from the anaesthetic and speaking to a consultant, who told me my baby wasn’t breathing and had to be resuscitated. “At that stage, the doctors weren’t sure if he’d survive 24 hours.” Cobey continued to battle and defy the odds for nine weeks. It was after his death that Kristina was referred to EACH, which supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across East Anglia. “Cobey gained his angel wings while having mummy cuddles – something we didn’t have enough of,” she said. “Despite all the odds, he fought hard throughout his short life and showed so much courage on a daily basis. “Throughout our journey, I remained as close as possible to Cobey. “Every day, he began to create a cheeky and funny personality and I have so many precious memories that I’ll cherish forever. “I’m forever grateful for the nine weeks we had together and I’ll always be proud to be his mummy.” Image credits EACH