Derry family donates privacy prams to Altnagelvin Hospital in memory of children
The specialist equipment honors the memory of Reuben Ray and Nora Mae Donaghey
A family who has experienced the heartbreak of losing two children have made a heartfelt donation to Altnagelvin Hospital to support other families facing pregnancy and baby loss.
The Donaghey family recently donated a privacy pram to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Altnagelvin Hospital in memory of their son Reuben Ray Donaghey and daughter Nora Mae Donaghey.
Having experienced the devastating loss of both children, the family hope their donation will provide comfort, dignity and privacy to bereaved families during some of the most difficult moments they may ever face.
The family have also donated privacy prams to NICU Belfast and the Children's Hospice, reflecting their wish to support other parents experiencing the loss of a baby.
Privacy prams offer a dignified and discreet way for babies to be transported within hospital settings, providing families with a compassionate alternative and greater privacy during an incredibly sensitive and emotional time.
The donation is particularly poignant for the Donaghey family, whose connection with neonatal services spans several years. Their son Reuben was born prematurely as part of a twin pregnancy in 2021 and sadly died at just 12 days old. His twin brother spent 76 days in NICU and is now a thriving five-year-old. In February 2025 the family welcomed their daughter Nora Mae, who was born with a congenital heart condition and sadly passed away the following month after receiving specialist care.
Drawing on their own experiences, the family felt strongly about supporting other parents who may face similar circumstances.
Speaking about the donation, Angela Hughes, Assistant Director of Paediatrics, Neonates and Community Dentistry for the Western Health & Social Care Trust said: “On behalf of the neonatal teams at Altnagelvin Hospital, I would like to sincerely thank the Donaghey family for this thoughtful and generous donation.
“Privacy prams provide invaluable support to families experiencing the loss of a baby. They help preserve dignity, privacy and compassion at an unimaginably difficult time.
“We are deeply grateful to the Donaghey family for their kindness, courage and generosity. By turning their own experience of loss into a lasting legacy, they are helping to make an extremely difficult journey a little easier for other bereaved families when they need support most.”