In Memory of Frankie: A Family’s Journey Through Baby Loss

Alex and Lucy Beasley had always known they wanted children but knew their journey may not be easy due to Lucy’s medical history of Type 1 diabetes. After getting engaged in 2019, Lucy became pregnant but sadly developed diabetic complications, including heart failure and renal disease, and the couple experienced a miscarriage at around 12 weeks.  

“It was quite a traumatic time for us both… we knew that if we were to try again, there would need to be a lot more planning involved.” 

The couple put a pause on their plans - they moved house, got a dog, and focused on other things and in late 2020, they got married during the pandemic. Lucy’s diabetes and blood pressure were finally under control, and in 2021, they found out they were pregnant again - this time with twins. 

The pregnancy put a huge strain on Lucy’s body and sadly one of the baby’s died early on. Lucy had developed chronic anaemia and needed regular blood transfusions which led to frequent hospital visits and inpatient stays - it was because of this that her care was referred to the team in Leeds.  

Things took a more serious turn, when scans revealed reduced blood flow through the umbilical cord. The situation worsened rapidly with Lucy needing daily scans and on Friday 13th August, baby Frankie was delivered by emergency caesarean at just 25 weeks.  

“Even though we knew it was serious, we didn’t fully grasp what was happening. The hospital and theatre staff were incredible and kept us calm despite the seriousness of the situation”. 

Frankie was intubated and taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Lucy and Alex were given a brief moment to see and hold him before he was whisked away. 

“NICU can be a lonely place despite being full of people. It’s dark, full of beeping machines, and emotionally intense. We were lucky to connect with another family there. We stayed nearby thanks to a place at Eckersley house, which was a lifesaver given the long journey from Driffield”. 

Frankie was very small weighing just 695 grams and was underdeveloped even for his gestation. But despite everything, Frankie seemed to be doing well.  

“We stayed positive – we were able to change his nappies, wash him, and Alex had learnt how to support with tube feeding”. 

Despite initial signs of progress, Frankie developed an infection, and his tiny body was struggling. His kidneys couldn’t cope, and his condition deteriorated. The medical team remained transparent and supportive throughout. 

“They were so good at keeping us informed… very honest. They said if it came to a time where he wasn’t going to get better, they would let us know.” 

On Friday the 10th September, exactly four weeks after Frankie’s birth, one of his lungs collapsed. Alex asked the doctor if it was time, and she confirmed they were preparing to have that conversation. 

“I was clinging on, thinking it’s OK, it’ll get better. But Alex was brave enough to ask the question. He was putting Frankie first.” 

None of their families had met Frankie yet. The family were moved to private room to spend time together and to say goodbye. They read stories, took photos, and created memories with their close family,  

“Reading to Frankie was one of the only ways we could bond with him and feel like normal parents.”  

After Frankie died, they were moved to the specialist Butterfly Suite, where Lucy and Alex dressed him for the first time, created hand and footprint imprints, and were able to spend the night with him.  

Its these memories and keepsakes from this time with Frankie, that are now so important to Lucy and Alex – “They’re all we have, and they mean everything to us.” 

“Leaving the hospital without Frankie was one of the hardest parts, it felt really unnatural walking out without him, but we knew he was going to be well taken care of.” 

Frankie’s funeral was intimate, with close family and friends. Alex and Lucy read Monkey Puzzle by Julia Donaldson, a book that had read to Frankie during their time in NICU. 

Lucy and Alex returned to NICU after the birth of their now 5-month-old twins Barney and Billy – “It was emotionally challenging being back in the same place, but the staff were sensitive and really supportive.” 

Lucy and Alex also have two-year-old daughter Callie who knows all about her older brother Frankie.  

“Looking back, it all feels surreal. It’s been four years, but Frankie is very much still a part of our lives. We talk about him a lot, and the children know all about their brother.”