After three long years, our dream of becoming parents finally came true. Through IVF, we conceived our Billie—a much-wanted and deeply loved baby girl. From the very beginning, she was strong, thriving through pregnancy, and we couldn’t wait to meet her.

But in the moments before her arrival, everything changed. Billie experienced distress during birth, leading to complications known as Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) and Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS). Her tiny body was deprived of oxygen for too long, and despite the extraordinary efforts of the team at The Women’s Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU), we had to do the unthinkable — say goodbye to our beautiful daughter at just 10 days old.

Through this experience, we witnessed firsthand the extraordinary dedication of NICU teams, the critical role of maternal and neonatal healthcare, and the immense challenges faced by families navigating both the NICU and the grief of losing a child. We also became aware of gaps in support—whether in access to mental health services, bereavement care, or resources for parents facing prolonged hospital stays.

Billie’s Besties Fund is our way of giving back to the causes that supported us and addressing areas that need greater attention. The fund will align with organisations that provide NICU care, bereavement support, maternal and women’s health services, mental health programs, and neonatal research. Our mission is to ensure that families experiencing NICU stays or the loss of a child receive the care, resources, and emotional support needed during the most challenging time of their lives.

This fund is Billie’s legacy, bringing light and hope to families during their most difficult moments.