Bereaved remember their loved ones as mother who lost baby still waits for counselling – The Irish News

Every few months Catherine Todd receives a letter from the health officials letting her know there are no available places for counselling she has asked for to try and come to terms with the Covid-related death of her son.

Ziggy Todd died in his mother’s arms aged just one day in July 2021. On Sunday, Ms Todd, along with Ziggy’s two younger sisters, took part in a remembrance day for the deceased baby, one of many victims of a pandemic that remains now just a memory for most, but a continuing trauma for those who lost loved ones.

A remembrance concert, organised by Memory Stones of Love to mark the Covid Day of Reflection, was held in Royal Avenue in Belfast on Sunday afternoon, while bereaved families walked to the City Hall to light candles for those who lost their lives.

The city hall, along with council and other buildings across the north, were illuminated in yellow as part of a day of reflection, five years after deaths linked to Covid began to happen in Ireland and Britain.

Catherine Todd was approximately seven months, or 28 weeks, pregnant when she contracted Covid in the summer of 2021.

She told the Covid inquiry about her multiple calls to advice lines and being told to take paracetamol, a fizzy drink and to lie on her side.

When she was admitted to the Ulster Hospital, in the South East trust area, there was a 10 hour wait before being moved to the maternity unit. Despite being prepped for an emergency caesarean section, it was delayed as another baby had an 80% chance of survival, while Ziggy had just a 10% chance, she told the inquiry.

Ziggy was born following a C-section but died the following day. Ms Todd said he died in her arms and she was holding him for two hours before he was taken away. She now suffers from PTSD. She needs counselling.

“To be quote honest with you I am really angry still to this day,” the mother of Vogue (2) and Binky, aged four months, told the Irish News.

“It’s something that’s never going to change for us. I never would have said I would still be in this position trying to get justice for Ziggy.”

Ms Todd added: “That is what has happened, four years and have still not received any support really. The only thing that is good is the Memory Stones of Love.

“Every few months I receive letter saying they have long waiting times and you are on the list.”

Ziggy was born on the night of July 20. He was taken to a separate room, said Ms Todd, who was then told all his breathing and other support was removed. She and her partner thought he was doing better.

The following day, the baby was bought to her. Mrs Todd was able to hold him but he died in her arms. She said the baby was dead for approximately two hours before he was taken away.

A post mortem was carried out, but it took place in Alder Hey in Liverpool. While Ziggy tested negative for the virus, ultimately the death was linked to Covid contracted by his mother.

“It’s never going to change. Ziggy was our first. Even with the two wee girls, you are watching them play and knowing he should be with them,” said Ms Todd.

On Sunday, the repainted Memory Stones of Love, restored by Marie Gibson, were laid out, a sign with pictures of those lost during the pandemic was erected, reflections were heard from bereaved families, poems read and music played by NACN and the Rock Choir.

Then at 6pm, bereaved family members walked to the City Hall to see the building illuminated. Candles were lit.

Hundreds of events and spaces for reflection were also organised across Britain to remember those who died after the pandemic swept out of Wuhan in China and spread across the world.