Russell Howard's baby boy died shortly after his wife gave birth
Taking to Instagram on Friday (04.09.26), Russell Howard shared his baby boy died shortly after his wife Cerys gave birth to him earlier this year.
Russell Howard's baby boy died shortly after his wife Cerys gave birth to him earlier this year.
The comedian thanked the National Health Service (NHS) for its support in the wake of their "unimaginable heartache", and in their son's memory, the couple have launched The Felix Foundation to support families who have experienced a similar loss.
Taking to Instagram on Friday (04.09.26), Russell, 46, said: "Earlier this year, our family changed forever when our beautiful baby boy, Felix, died shortly after birth.
"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.
"We were assigned a bereavement midwife, Lauren, who had experienced a similar tragedy.
"After losing her own baby, Lauren retrained as a midwife so that she could help other families going through what she had been through. Her care meant more to us than we can ever put into words.
"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. We could hold him, talk to him and tell him just how much we loved him.
"Those hours are among the most precious memories we have of Felix."
"We were overwhelmed by the care we received, and we made a promise to each other: that we would try to help other families who find themselves facing the same devastating circumstances."
Russell continued: "And so, in Felix's memory, we are establishing The Felix Foundation. 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 bereavement by:
"Supporting the additional training of midwives in specialist bereavement care, through yearly grants to enable them to access resources such as counselling qualifications.
"Funding resources to provide emotional support and practical assistance.
"Providing or funding dedicated rooms, facilities, equipment and resources within hospitals, maternity units, neonatal units and other appropriate healthcare settings, supporting the care, wellbeing and dignity of babies and their families.
"Providing information, guidance, signposting and other resources to affected families.
"Raising awareness of late miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, neonatal loss and related bereavement, and the support needs of affected families."
Russell hosting a charity gala at London's The O2 arena on February 8, 2027, to launch and raise money for The Felix Foundation.
And he thanked comics, including Michael McIntyre, 50, Jimmy Carr, 53, Aisling Bea, 42, Guz Khan, 40, Greg Davies, 58, Mo Gilligan, 38, Michelle Wolf, 41, and John Bishop, 59, for taking part in the charity gala.
Russell added: "Every single one of these incredible performers is giving their time completely free of charge. I will never forget their generosity.
"We would absolutely love it if you could join us for what promises to be a very special evening: a night of comedy, laughter and celebration, all in aid of a cause that means everything to our family."
He concluded: "The Felix Foundation is named after our beautiful son. 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.
"We would love it if you came along and helped us make Felix's legacy something truly special.
"Russ x."
