Lewisham couple Wayne Flanagan, 34, and Claire Nash, 33, will be taking on a series of marathon challenges next month to raise money for the three London charities that cared for their newborn, Jade Peacock Nash, before she died – University Hospital Lewisham, Evelina Children’s Hospital and Demelza Hospice for Children. The Flying Peacocks – the name Wayne and Claire have given their running team – are set to run 4 marathons in 21 days, ending with the 2021 London Marathon on the 3rd October.
On 9 January 2021 at 17.16, Claire welcomed baby Jade into the world. Wayne was unable to be present at the birth, as both Claire and Wayne had tested positive for Covid-19 three days earlier.
Baby Jade suffered Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) during childbirth, an event that resulted in significant brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation and limited blood flow to her brain.
“Reflecting on baby Jade’s birth, although it was unbelievably scary, it was a beautiful moment where I got to meet my daughter,” says Claire. “Jade was laid on my stomach for a few seconds but then the medical staff took her away. I was unaware of the severity of the situation until I saw the nurses and doctors resuscitating Jade.”
The midwife on duty that day at University Hospital Lewisham (UHL) was Jade Johnson.
“Baby Jade was tiny and unresponsive,” says midwife Jade. “I and two doctors started resuscitation in the room – I was doing chest compressions while the doctors put her on a ventilator. Claire was looking on, not knowing what was happening.”
The complications were entirely unexpected as Claire’s pregnancy was otherwise “beautiful”. Baby Jade tragically passed away at just 10 days old.
Deciding on a name for their newborn baby was easy for Wayne and Claire. It had to be the name of the midwife who delivered her, Jade. Baby Jade’s middle name – Peacock – was given to her by big brother, Elijah, 4, whilst in his mummy’s tummy.
Due to the severity of Jade’s condition, she was transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Evelina Children’s Hospital in Central London. There, Wayne and Claire were able to make special memories with their Little Peacock, sharing tears and laughter, singing songs, reading books, Jade’s hands wrapped around their fingers and stroking her little toes.
“She was at the point where keeping her on a ventilator would cause her more pain and there were no signs of improvement in her condition,” says Claire. “We were absolutely heartbroken.” Claire and Wayne were determined to introduce Elijah to Jade, but with strict restrictions on visitors to the hospital due to the pandemic, Elijah was unable to visit his little sister. Instead, they exchanged gifts and messages, with Elijah sending his favourite toys into the hospital to show Jade and keep her company.
Knowing their time with Jade would be short, Evelina arranged for Jade to be transferred to Demelza Hospice Care for Children in Eltham, South-East London on 18 January.
The Demelza nurses did everything they could to allow their close family to visit despite the COVID-19 risks. Wayne and Claire introduced Jade to her big brother Elijah for the first time. Jade finally got to meet her grandparents. Claire’s mum read a special book to Jade that she’d been given by her own nan. Wayne’s brother played ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ to her on the ukulele. More memories and more love.
Lottie McElhinney, Care Team Leader at Demelza’s South East London hospice, said: “It was a privilege and an honour to be able to care for baby Jade at the end of her life and support her loved ones through such a difficult time. By coming to Demelza, Jade’s family were able to be together with her for the first time and make precious memories. No parent should ever have to go through what Wayne and Claire did, but their incredible fundraising efforts will ensure Demelza can be there for other local families in the future. We are so grateful to The Flying Peacocks and wish them lots of luck in their four marathon challenge in memory of Jade.”
Just after 4pm, Jade’s ventilator was removed and for 18 hours, Wayne, Claire, Elijah and Jade were a normal family. Lying lazily in bed, Jade on Claire’s chest, skin to skin, watching a film, eating biscuits. No ventilators, no incubators, no tubes or wires. Just parents enjoying the warmth of their newborn baby and their beautiful 4-year-old boy.
At 09.58 on 19 Tuesday January, lying peacefully on Wayne’s chest, Jade took her last faint breath.
Let kindness be Jade’s Legacy
Shortly after Jade’s death, Wayne and Claire set up a fundraising page in Jade’s memory with “Let kindness be her legacy” as the motto, something a friend had said to them at Jade’s funeral.
Within a matter of weeks Jade had raised over £30,000 to be shared between Lewisham, Evelina and Demelza. The proud parents believe this is testament to Jade’s memory and her impact on the world.
“It’s baby Jade’s gift,” says Claire. “In the few days we had with her, she opened our eyes to the generosity and selflessness of such incredible people, who wrapped us up in love and support.”
Margarita Vidiella, Head of Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust Charity said: “We are touched by Claire and Wayne’s dedicated support in memory of their daughter Jade Peacock. We are truly grateful for the generous funds they are raising, which will help us fund key staff wellbeing initiatives such as the provision of improved facilities for frontline staff rest areas.”
Wayne and Claire believe Jade’s message of caring for the carers is one that resonates now more than ever, with all funds raised in Jade’s memory going toward funding initiatives for staff wellbeing at each of Lewisham, Evelina and Demelza.
“We want to raise awareness of the experiences of those working on the frontline of healthcare,” says Claire. “Whilst our circumstances were traumatic, we were acutely aware of the impact our situation had on those supporting us. The impact of their daily work must take such a toll on their wellbeing. We know this through the conversations we’ve had since having baby Jade. The wellbeing of health staff has been increasingly spoken about over the past 18 months, but it’s a message that needs repeating. We were supported by a huge number of specialist midwives, nurses, doctors, consultants but most of all, special people.”
Four Marathons in 21 Days – #TheFlyingPeacocks
After the loss of Jade, Wayne turned to running for his own wellbeing in an attempt to understand his grief. “It gave me a way to be with Jade, time and space for myself to think and connect with her.”
Wayne is now fundraising for Lewisham, Evelina and Demelza in Jade’s memory by taking part in four marathons in 21 days – Brighton, Goodwood, London and their own very special event – The Little Peacock Marathon. The route follows Jade’s journey, starting at University Hospital Lewisham, onto the Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Demelza’s hospice in Eltham and finishing at Honor Oak Crematorium.
“As running has helped me with my own wellbeing, it felt right to commit to a running challenge to raise support, awareness and funds for the wellbeing of those that looked after us,” says Wayne.
Claire will be joining Wayne by running the London Marathon, both dressed as Peacocks, less than nine months after giving birth to Jade.
“We had 10 glorious days with Jade thanks to everyone at UHL, Evelina and Demelza. I’ll never be able to thank them enough for not only giving us those 10 days but making them as memorable as we could possibly have wanted in the circumstances.”
“Aside from their medical expertise, the love, support and compassion extended to us by the amazing people at Lewisham, Evelina and Demelza showed us a side to humanity we are truly grateful to have seen during our darkest hour as a family.” says Wayne.