Buxton mum's fundraiser for son who died at just eight weeks old

Michelle Townsend found out she was pregnant with her first child earlier this year.

The 35-year-old from Park Road, Buxton, was suffering from constipation seven weeks before her due date.

She said: “The doctors and nurses said the baby was in distress and his heart rate had dropped and he needed to come out.

“I just couldn’t believe it I didn’t know what to think I just wanted him to be okay.”

Before that, Michelle said there had been no complications during the pregnancy.

Lewis Ralph Walker was born on Sunday, June 6.

“He was perfect,” said Michelle.

The new mum and her partner, Richard Walker, ended up moving in to a Ronald McDonald House attached to St Mary’s Hospital in Manchester days later as little Lewis was so poorly.

Michelle suffers myotonic dystrophy, a form of muscular dystrophy, accompanied by myotonia - which means she has weak joints which can impact on the organs. It is a genetic disorder and Lewis was screened with tests confirming when he was two weeks old that he had the condition.

She said: “He was such a fighter but it all became too much for him when he got an infection and his little body couldn’t cope.”

Lewis sadly died on July 31, aged just eight weeks old.

Michelle said: “We stayed at the Ronald McDonald House all the while he was in hospital and the week after as we had things to sort out.

“Staying there made it easier for us as we didn’t have to worry about travel and getting to and from Buxton and we could be on hand in a matter of minutes.”

Michelle said her little boy was starting to get a personality and would look at her from the incubator when she was near.

“To not have him with us anymore is heartbreaking.”

Now the family have organised a fun day at the The Cobbles Wine Bar on Saturday, October 29 from noon where there will be a chest wax, raffle, fancy dress and barbecue.

Michelle said: “Having something to focus on and plan has kept my mind busy. All the money we raise will be going to the Ronald McDonald House charity because it was invaluable to us and we want to say thank you for all the support we had.”

The aim is to raise £5,000 to fund a room for three years. To sponsor visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lewisralphwalker or make donations at Radio Taxis or The Cobbles.