Bradford family's fundraiser for memorial paying tribute to baby

Becky Kirby, 25, and Nathan Shields, 29, were overjoyed by the news of little Harrison’s arrival in May 2023.

The parents-to-be discovered Harrison had congenital heart disease (CHD) at Becky's 20-week scan.

Powered by hope, the family researched the condition and prepared to welcome the couple’s first child.

Becky’s sister, Hannah Cooke, said: “Emotions were very high, it was a lot of worry and panic but, with lots of appointments with specialist doctors, Becky, Nathan and us as a family had a little hope. 

“We researched lots on CHD and the problems Harrison was going to face so we were prepared for the battle ahead. Their hearts were broken at the 20 week scan, both left upset and worried.

Little Harrison, pictured above (Image: UGC)

“They really wanted to give him the chance to live and be here with us, Harrison was a fighter right from the get go.

"We were told he would possibly not be able to breathe unaided and he came out kicking and screaming, the little sweetheart didn't need any help for the whole week.”

But in the days following Harrison’s birth, his stats slowly started to drop and doctors provided him with oxygen.

Hospital scans revealed his stomach was central and to the right and he was born with no spleen.

The family was told his liver was larger than normal and he had two right lungs instead of a left and right.

“Harrison was the treated for NEC a bowel infection in which his feeds also had to be stopped,” the 29-year-old said.

Little Harrison pictured sleeping above (Image: UGC)

“The specialist noticed more issues that they sadly said they couldn't help him with.”

The family has been left overwhelmed after receiving an outpouring of support for Harrison’s memorial.

More than £1,400 has been raised on the GoFundMe page so far.

“We as a family are so overwhelmed with the support and love shown,” said Hannah.

“We couldn't thank everyone enough for the help, just reading the messages of support is so very touching. As much as our hearts are so very empty without Harrison, they are so full with love and support.

“Harrison’s memorial is going to be special to us, it’s where we can spend the rest of our time together without him actually being here with us, and for everyone who never got a chance to meet him to go. A place where we can remember him forever, talk to him, celebrate his milestones in heaven.

“He was so loved and spoilt already, he had such a big family full of love waiting for him. His bedroom was done and ready. We will forever miss him.”

The GoFundMe page can be found by clicking here (https://bit.ly/fundraiserforharrison)