Remembering Jackson: Nigel, Kelly and Gavin’s Story
For Nigel and Kelly, a Much Loved tribute page provides a cherished way to remember and honour their first baby, Jackson.
Through the page, they have raised money, shared stories, and reflected upon their time with Jackson, together with the love and support of friends and family; friends like Gavin, who recently completed the Loch Ness Marathon.
Jackson’s Journey
“Jackson’s 1st birthday has just passed. We’ve been saying to him, “Look, Jackson, look how much money you’ve raised for your birthday.” We still speak to him through his Much Loved tribute page.
“Jackson, our first child, was born at around 23 weeks and weighed just 555 grams. Apart from changing the odd nappy for nieces and nephews, we were completely new to it.
“As soon as he was born, he was whisked off to NICU. Pauline was Jackson’s nurse. We called her “Auntie Pauline”, and she showed us how to change his tiny nappies.
“We stayed at Crossbasket House during that time. We felt so lucky to get a place to stay nearby, during such a tough experience. There's a blossom tree there with Jackson’s name under it, which is really special.
“We saw Jackson every day. Kelly moved over to Crossbasket House after she spent time recovering in the Maternity Unit.
“We always made Tuesdays “Family Day”. It was my day off work so I was there the whole day, and we’d get hot dogs from the café.
Then Saturdays were “Boys Day.” Kelly would go home on Fridays to be with our dog, Olly, and I’d spend Saturdays with Jackson. I’d go in early, walk over from Crossbasket House, get a magazine, and we’d watch football on my phone. That was our time. Although Kelly will always say he was a mummy's boy really!
“Jackson was such a character and so full of personality. He was born with his eyes shut due to being so premature, then one eye opened, then both.”
“He would squeeze our fingers so tightly that his knuckles would go white – his whole hand barely wrapped around the tip of my finger.”
“Jackson was in the hospital for 62 days. He passed away on the 21st of November.”
How Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity Helped
“Glasgow Children’s Hospital Chairty provided us with invaluable support, memories and keepsakes of our time in hospital. We got his Little Inky Feet prints done, which Jackson loved!
“We had Mini-Boos too. He still has one with him now, and Kelly has another at home. We also received help from the charity’s Family Support Fund, to help with managing and covering expenses during our time in Glasgow.
“Sadly, we never got to bring Jackson home to Larbert. He passed away before we could. But we remember everything. We try to make sure he’s never forgotten.”
“Our time in Glasgow was a crazy, unforgettable experience that, even now when I look back, always makes me smile. Because it was all about Jackson, everything was.”
Running for Jackson
“I work in a school, and had heard about Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, but didn’t think we’d ever need these services. Now I know just how vital they are.
We’ve raised over £4,500 so far through Jackson’s tribute page, split between Bliss and Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
One of my best friends, Gavin, messaged me around April. He said, “I’m thinking of running a marathon. I want to do it for Jackson.”
Gavin shares:
“I started running about 18 months ago to look after both my physical and mental health, and it’s become an important part of my life.
“What began as a personal challenge quickly grew into something much more meaningful. After a conversation with Nigel in April, I decided to run in honour of the bravery shown by Nigel, Kelly, and Jackson. Their strength and resilience have been truly inspiring.
“When the race gets tough, I’ll be drawing on the strength and bravery of Jackson, Nigel, and Kelly. What I’m doing only requires a fraction of the courage they’ve shown, and that thought will carry me to the finish line.”