Ness Bridge will be lit to celebrate the birthday of an Inverness baby who tragically died in his sleep
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The Ness Bridge will be lit this weekend to celebrate the birthday of an Inverness baby who tragically died in his sleep.
A mother grieving the unimaginable loss of losing her baby boy is ‘humbled’ that the Ness bridge will be lit the colours of the baby loss charity, Held in Our Hearts in tribute to her son as she remains determined to keep his legacy alive after an unexpected tragedy robbed her family of a brother and son.
Inverness mum Daisy McKenzie and husband Eoin were delighted to welcome their newborn son, Albie, into the world on April 13, 2022.
Daisy described Albie as ‘the happiest little boy, full of smiles and mischief’.
She said: "He would always get excited when he saw buses and farm animals which brought joy to us all."
A fortnight after Albie's first birthday, the unthinkable turned the McKenzies' world upside down.
On April 27, 2023, Albie tragically died in his sleep due to sudden unexpected infant death (SUID).
Since bearing the loss of losing her youngest son, Daisy has immersed herself into fundraising to keep Albie's memory alive, in addition to raising as much funds and awareness for the baby loss charity, Held In Our Hearts.
Daisy said: “I can remember last year so clearly and how happy we all were, then everything changed.
“I’m trying to just celebrate Albie and his wonderful self and the difference he’s making.”
Now on the approach of Albie’s second birthday, Daisy said: “I actually feel okay about Albies birthday coming up. I feel like because of everything we’ve done this year he’s kept going if that makes sense, so he is turning two.
“I remember his birthday last year so clearly, instead of blowing out his candles he tried to grab them! I wish he was here to eat more cake with us. It’s the anniversary of when he died on April 28 that I’m really dreading.”
Ness bridge will be radiated in pink and blue from Friday April 12, to Sunday April 14.
When talking about the significance of the bridge being lit up, Daisy said: “The bridge being lit up is so special to us. It’s always been a place I’ve thought is beautiful so to have it lit up not just for Albie but to honour Held In Our hearts and the work they do means so much.
“When it lit up I hope Albie looks down on it and knows he is loved and that he made a difference in this world.
“It’s special because as Albie’s family knew he was special but, to have the city of Inverness honour him is such a humbling thing. I can’t thank everyone enough for sparing a thought for little Albie.”
To celebrate Albie’s birthday Daisy is set to host a quiz night this Friday at Kings Inverness and spend the weekend doing all the things Albie loved most.
Daisy said: “For Albie’s birthday we are going to have a quiet day with family, doing what Albie loved, going to feed the ducks, eating cake and probably watching Bluey, a TV show. Then at night we’ll all go and see the lights and think of him, like always.”
