An Egremont family has launched a fundraiser to provide grieving parents with Cuddle Blankets after the “shock” death of their four-year-old daughter.

Ivy had lived with Spina Bifida since birth and spent much of her life receiving medical treatment.

However, after undergoing open-heart surgery and battling Sepsis, Ivy passed away unexpectedly, on February 3, 2024, leaving her family in shock.

In the aftermath, her parents, Stephen and Michelle Milton, wanted to bring Ivy home to rest surrounded by loved ones, but this was only possible with the use of a Cuddle Blanket, which helps to preserve the body at the correct temperature.

Unfortunately, local hospitals had none available, and the Miltons were unable to find one until Eaves Funeral Directors in Whitehaven went “above and beyond” by travelling to a charity to collect a spare blanket for them.

The use of the Cuddle Blanket allowed Ivy’s body to be preserved, allowing her parents to bring her home and spend precious final moments with her.

Each Cuddle Blanket costs £5,000, and the Miltons are raising funds to ensure that other families facing similar losses can access this service.

The family has set up a fundraising campaign and is asking for donations to help purchase Cuddle Blankets for grieving parents.

They are also encouraging people to share the fundraiser to raise awareness of the importance of this service.

On the fundraising page the family said: “Losing anyone is very tough. Losing a child is horrific. By helping the parents spend the final moments with their child, is remarkable.”

To donate to the fundraiser visit here.