A COUPLE whose baby son died after only 15 days of life have raised more than €8,000 for a charity which supports those affected by the death of a baby during or after pregnancy.
Luke and Edel Mangan hosted ‘Luke’s Head and Moustache Shave’ on Saturday, November 29 in the Shamrock Lodge in Falcarragh in memory of their beloved son, Alexander.
After an emergency C-section 34 weeks into Edel’s pregnancy, their baby boy, who had been placed on a life-support ventilator, breathed his last and slipped softly away after only 15 days of life. His death was due to complications from fetal hydrops, excessive fluid build-up around his vital organs.
Luke Mangan and his sister, Rebecca.
Féileacáin (meaning butterfly), is a Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Support Group. To give back, the couple decided to host the very special fundraiser.
Speaking afterwards, they said: “A fantastic night was had in the Shamrock Lodge in Falcarragh on Saturday night, November 29 for ‘Luke’s Head and Moustache Shave’ in aid of Féileacáin.
“This charity, which is a not-for-profit organisation that provides support to anyone affected by the death of a baby during or after pregnancy, will be greatly helped by the proceeds which at this moment are over €8,000.
“This not the only charity helped, however, as the hair that was cut both from Luke and his sister, Rebecca, will be donated to the Rapunzel Foundation, which provides free hair wigs to children and adults who’ve suffered hair loss, often due to illness.
“A massive thank you to everyone who has supported Luke and Edel Mangan in remembering their son Alexander at this time, all the donations and raffle prize sponsors, Highland Radio, The Shamrock Lodge for hosting and the Donegal News for running the article prior to the event to raise awareness for this wonderful cause.”
Edel cuts her sister-in-law’s hair.
