Greenock Morton manager Dougie Imrie donates £18,000 to NHS Lanarkshire in memory of daughter

Greenock Morton manager Dougie Imrie and his partner, Lauren McCreaddie, have donated £18,000 to NHS Lanarkshire in memory of their baby daughter.

Remi was born 14 weeks premature, weighing just 1lb 4oz, and was cared for in the neonatal unit at University Hospital Wishaw.

The manager confirmed that his daughter passed away during the early hours of August 19, just 20 days after her birth.

The couple raised a total of £18,000, which they handed over to the team that supported their daughter.

Dougie said: “We’ll never be able to thank the staff enough for everything they did for Remi and for us. Those 20 days we had with her were the most special of our lives, and the care, compassion and support we received gave us memories we’ll hold forever.

“Lauren and I wanted to do something to give back, and to help other families who might find themselves in the same situation.”

Lauren added: “The staff in the neonatal unit went above and beyond for Remi, just as they do for every baby in their care. They were our strength on the darkest of days, supporting us in ways words can never fully express. They are, without doubt, real-life angels.

“At Remi’s funeral, we had a collection for the unit, but we want to continue fundraising for as long as we can. It’s the very least we can do to give back to those who gave us so much – so that they can keep helping families like ours through their most difficult journeys.”

The couple’s donation was made during Baby Loss Awareness Week. Both Dougie and Lauren hope that sharing their family will help families realise they are not alone.

The funds will go towards supporting the neonatal unit and supporting loved ones whose babies require intensive care.

Kate Boyle, senior midwife for Neonatal and Transitional Care at University Hospital Wishaw, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Dougie and Lauren for thinking of us and other parents at such a difficult time. Their donation will make a real difference in supporting families.

“On behalf of all of the team, we want to thank them for their kindness and generosity, and for honouring Remi in such a meaningful way.”