Russell Howard has announced the death of his baby son, describing the period as the “most devastating time of our lives”. The 46-year-old comedian said his family had been “changed for ever” after their “beautiful baby boy” Felix died shortly after birth.
In a statement on his Instagram account, Howard said: “During the most devastating time of our lives, the hospital staff who cared for us showed extraordinary compassion, kindness and humanity. They helped us navigate an unimaginable heartache and gave us support when we needed it most.”
Support from hospital staff and a bereavement midwife
Howard praised the support he and his wife, Cerys Morgan, had received from a bereavement midwife named Lauren, who he said had experienced a similar tragedy. “Her care meant more to us than we can ever put to words,” he added. “During our time in hospital, Felix was placed in a cool cot, which meant that my wife and I were able to spend precious hours with our beautiful boy. Those hours are among the most precious memories we have of Felix.”
Howard and Morgan, who is an NHS doctor, have set up the Felix Foundation, in memory of their son, to help other families facing the same “devastating circumstances”.
Charity gala at the O2 to launch the foundation
To help launch the foundation, Howard will host a special charity gala at the O2 in London on 8 February featuring a lineup of friends and colleagues made up of Michael McIntyre, Jimmy Carr, Aisling Bea, Guz Khan, Greg Davies, Mo Gilligan, Michelle Wolf and John Bishop.
He said of Felix: “We miss him dearly, every single day but we take some comfort in knowing that his name will stand for kindness, compassion and laughter and that his legacy may help other families through the darkest moments of their lives.”
Foundation’s aim and impact
The foundation will aim to relieve the needs of parents, siblings and other close family members affected by miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, neonatal death or related bereavements, including by providing funding for specialist facilities, training or other forms of support.
