People came out onto the street to pay tribute to a Tidworth couple as they buried their stillborn baby today (Tuesday, July 20).
Scarlett and James Davies were among those in a funeral cortege along Station Road for their daughter Millie-Grace, who passed away in the 35th week of pregnancy. Tidworth residents braved the sweltering heat to pay tribute to the family as a conductor led the procession up the road.
Speaking to the Advertiser, Scarlett Davies said: “Mille-Grace was taken far too soon and is so loved by everyone. She is missed so much by many but she was far too beautiful for this world. Sleep tight my princess.”
The couple, who live in Wylye Road in Tidworth, had previously appealed to the community for support of the costs of arranging the funeral for their daughter, looking to raise £1500.
Scarlett previously described the heartbreaking lead up to Millie-Grace’s birth, saying that “everything was going ok up until I was blue-lighted to hospital with the thought I was in pre-term labour.”
While in hospital, doctors were unable to find a heartbeat for Millie-Grace, who was delivered 15 minutes later.
The couple said they did not have the resources to fund Millie-Grace’s funeral themselves, launching a fundraiser.
“We have the unthinkable thought of her funeral and unfortunately we don’t have the funds to give her the best send-off she deserves,” Scarlett said.
“Any donations would be truly grateful as, after talking to the funeral directors for what we would like, it will cost us £1,500 and unfortunately, James and I do not have this, which completely breaks our heart.”
Following the appeal, 79 kind-hearted members of the community came together to raise £1,345 towards the cost of the funeral, with Millie-Grace to be cremated in a private family funeral.
However, the community was able to pay their respects in the short procession in Tidworth, with many taking the opportunity to do so.
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