Cheshire maternity unit boosted by new artwork

A comforting, pastoral mural has been created in the Maternity Ward at Macclesfield General Hospital, thanks to the generosity of The Georgia Leigh Ogden Foundation and artist, Allie Pottinger.

The mural, located in the Bluebell Suite, which is the ward’s bereavement room, was created and donated by Allie, who has created several murals for the hospital. The Bluebell Suite provides local families with a private and peaceful space in which to grieve and spend precious time together after the loss of a loved one.  

The Georgia Leigh Ogden Foundation was founded by Georgia’s parents, Mandy and Mark, and her brother, Josh, shortly after she tragically passed away in 2020, following a car crash in Astbury, Cheshire. 

Mandy Ogden said:

"The loss of a child, regardless of their age, is the most devastating news any parent can ever receive. 

"Sadly, having experienced that heartbreak ourselves at another hospital, one memory that has never left us is receiving that life-changing news in a small, cold, clinical room, which was used for storage. 

"That truly heartbreaking experience inspired us to donate a mural to the Bluebell Suite, so that parents at Macclesfield Hospital could receive that news in a peaceful and comforting space, where they could take time to reflect together. And we believe Alison has captured that vision perfectly.

"Her incredibly beautiful artwork brings tranquillity and hope to a place where they are needed most, and we are deeply grateful for the care and compassion she has poured into her work." 

Francesca Stanley, a Bereavement Midwife at East Cheshire NHS Trust, said:

"Having a dedicated bereavement room provides families with a private and peaceful space to grieve, support and comfort each other.   

"The bluebell mural has been carefully chosen to bring the calming effects of nature into the room, helping to reduce stress and create a comforting environment during an incredibly difficult time, and we’re very grateful to Allie Pottinger for donating her wonderful work.

“And we're so very grateful for the generous donation from The Georgia Leigh Ogden Foundation, who’ve already helped us on several occasions over the last few years. Their donation of £1,162 covered the whole cost of printing, digitalizing and installing the mural, and they’ve also donated an additional donation of £650 to help fund furniture in the suite.”   

The Maternity Ward is looking to continue developing the Bluebell Suite and is actively fundraising to purchase additional extras to make the space as welcoming as possible. 

Donations can be made at the Macclesfield Maternity Bereavement Appeal online at:

http://www.justgiving.com/campaign/bluebellatmacclesfield

Pictured -  Staff from the ward with Mandy Ogden, Josh Ogden and Allie Pottinger.