Every minute creates a memory and that is what drove Chris and Cassandra Hiscock to raise money to provide a cuddle cot to both of Ballarat’s hospitals, the first of which was donated to St John of God Hospital on Friday. 

The couple’s triplets, Joshua, James and Daniel, died shortly after birth in early 2014 and it was that experience that led them to try to help other parents who go through a similar experience. 

A cuddle cot is a cooling system designed to fit within a small cot and allow for babies who have died to remain with their families for a longer period of time so they are not required to be cooled in a mortuary environment.

“I think a lot more people are touched by pregnancy loss than you realise,” Ms Hiscock said 

“I think a fundraiser like this gives people the opportunity to recognise that and make a bit of a difference.”

Ms Hiscock said the community rallied behind her call for donations. 

“We were really pleased with how it all turned out,” she said. 

“We really would have benefited from having that equipment available to us.

“It makes us feel a bit better knowing they have it, nothing makes it easier but it gives them a bit more time with their babies to make special memories.” 

While the donations will be a great help to the hospital, Ms Hiscock said fundraising also opened up communication about the topic. 

“It is a bit of a taboo topic, it can be an awkward topic and difficult to talk about,” she said. 

“Until you go through it you don’t have an understanding of that.” 

St John of God Ballarat Hospital chief executive Michael Krieg welcomed the donation. 

“This hospital celebrates 100 years this year and over 60 of those years the maternity unit has looked after mothers, babies and families and we are very grateful to Cassandra for her fundraising efforts to support parents who unfortunately experience stillbirth,” he said.