Cow & Gate were proud to sponsor the `Hero` award at the recent Tommy`s Let`s Get Baby Friendly Ceremony. On 19th March 2010, Phillipa Banks, 32, from Knutsford, attended the star-studded Tommy’s Let’s Get Baby Friendly Awards ceremony in London, to receive the ‘Hero’ award from Tommy’s, the baby charity. Phillipa won the award for both the professional and personal support she gave to Knutsford resident, Amy Docherty, whilst Amy was going through the toughest time of her life.

Amy, 23, gave birth to her first - and only – son, Billy, on 30 October 2009 - 11 weeks before her due date. Billy weighed 2lb 2oz and died just a few minutes after he was born. Phillipa, a midwife at Macclesfield District General Hospital, was Amy’s midwife during this time.

Amy nominated Phillipa for the Hero award – which celebrates someone who has gone beyond the call of duty in helping a parent or parent-to-be through their pregnancy - following the emotional support she received from Phillipa.

Amy said: “Phillipa was the first midwife to visit me at home after I left hospital. She was popping in on a daily basis, providing support and checking to see if I needed anything even after finishing a 12 hour shift, or if just needed a cuddle. She really has gone above and beyond the call of duty. She has cried with me, laughed with me and I think for someone who never knew me before Billy passed, she really deserves an award for the empathy, love and compassion she has shown.”

Amy added: “Not only on a personal level has she been amazing but on a professional level too. Phillipa has liaised between me and the hospital, sorting things out and tying up loose ends. She is coming with me and my partner Craig to pick up the post mortem results and has picked up mine and Billy’s notes for me so I didn’t have to go back to hospital as it was obviously a harrowing experience.”

“Obviously many midwives popped in and out to see me but nobody has been a stronger person than Phillipa, and even now, five months on, we are still in touch and I know if I ever needed anything she would be there.”

Phillipa commented: “I am so glad to have been able to help Amy when she really needed someone to be there for her, and to support her through such an emotional time in her life. I am delighted to have won this award. Just to be nominated makes me so proud - winning is very exciting and I wish to thank Amy for the very special recognition."

Phillipa will be presented with the award by Jo Whiley, the Radio 1 broadcaster, and Cow & Gate, sponsors of the award.

Now in their 15^th year, the awards have been going from strength to strength since 1995. The three individual Hero, Angel and Triumph Awards are designed to recognise the vital and often selfless support that friends, family and health professionals offer couples who are experiencing difficulties with their pregnancy. The awards also recognise the companies who are doing their bit to provide the most baby friendly services and products for families.

www.tommys.org



We were also pleased to pick up the runner up award for Best baby food brand!