Grieving Parent's Launch Darcy's Fund In Loving Memory Of Their Little Angel
Pembroke parents Tammy Strangward and Martin Keane, whose beautiful baby daughter died at the age of 4 months from a rare genetic disorder in June 2009, are bravely giving hope to other suffering children.
Tammy had a virtually problem free pregnancy, but their precious baby sadly spiralled into ill health from birth.
Baby Darcy did manage to spend some time at home and those precious memories will always be a blessing to Tammy and Martin
“Darcy was most at rest in the comfort of her mother's arms, when she heard Tammy's voice I noticed that she instantly settled. Darcy loved having a bath too. She truly was a precious gift from God.” said a family friend.
Sadly most of Darcy's short life was spent in the care of her parents and staff in Withybush hospital, undergoing numerous tests. Born with a curved spine and poor vision, Darcy never gained weight as she failed to keep food down. Eventually her liver failed as did her heart and lungs. Faced with the devastating loss of their daughter, Tammy and Martin agonised for weeks of tests to establish the cause.
Darcy was eventually diagnosed with a genetic condition:mitochondrial respiratory chain disease. The parents could only find out more about this disease by looking on the internet.
“Information in the UK about mitochondrial disease was non-existent. I had to search American websites to find more. They raise a lot more money and awareness over there, but nothing is done about it in this country. There’s no cure at the moment, you just watch people get worse and worse.” said Tammy, who met other mums who had gone through similar experiences on social networking site, Facebook.
The couple have now started to turn this tragic loss into an opportunity to help others:
Firstly by starting a petition to get the Government to fund research into genetic mitochondrial diseases.
Secondly by setting up Darcy's Fund:
“Darcy's Fund is a small beginning which, with Pembrokeshire's support, can make a huge difference. I hope to organise local table top sales, do the New Year's day swim in Saundersfoot and much, much more” Said Tammy. “All the money raised for Darcy's Fund will be donated to Withybush Children's Ward. My little angel's memory will live on forever, I hope this will be her legacy.” continued Tammy.
The first event for Darcy's fund will be a Table Top Sale on Saturday 21st November, 1pm – 3pm in Foundry House Community Centre, Pembroke Common, Pembroke.
