News

Family’s generosity provides photographic memories at Mitcham Private

Aug 19, 2019

A new camera kit has been donated to Mitcham Private Hospital to be used for creating photographic memories for families who experience stillbirths.

The gift came from Heartfelt, a volunteer organisation of professional photographers from Australia and New Zealand who provide their services to grieving families free of charge.

Heartfelt received the camera kit donation from a woman called Bec Greenshaw, who lost her baby six years ago when she was 38 weeks pregnant.

Bec was not sure about getting the photos taken until she received them. Her brother, Gary McCabe, said the pictures have now become her most cherished memories.

“The photos keep his memory alive, through being able to see his face and features,” Mr McCabe said.

The family has already donated cameras to two other hospitals through the Heartfelt organisation.

“It can be really hard to comprehend whether a family wants a visual memory, but at least you can give them the choice, so they don’t regret it down the track,” Mr McCabe said.

Heartfelt founder and president Gavin Blue said: “Creating images for families showing their love of their child is the core of what we do.”

Since 2009, the volunteer service has provided photographs for 9000 families in Australia and New Zealand.