Comedian Russell Howard has revealed that his baby son Felix died shortly after birth earlier this year, describing the loss as the “most devastating time” of his family’s life.
Howard shared the news in a statement on social media, thanking the hospital staff who cared for him and Morgan during their loss. He said their compassion and support helped the family through what he described as “unimaginable heartache.”
A key part of their hospital experience was the care provided by a bereavement midwife named Lauren. Howard said she had experienced a similar tragedy herself before retraining to support other families facing bereavement.
Howard also explained that Felix was placed in a cool cot, allowing him and Morgan to spend additional time with their son. They were able to hold him, talk to him and tell him how much they loved him.
The couple have established the Felix Foundation in their son’s memory. The organization aims to support parents, siblings and other close relatives affected by miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, neonatal death and related bereavement.
The foundation will seek to fund specialist facilities, training and other forms of support for families dealing with such losses. To raise funds and launch the foundation, Howard will host a Stand-Up Gala at London’s O2 Arena on Feb. 8.
Michael McIntyre, Jimmy Carr, Aisling Bea, Guz Khan, Greg Davies, Mo Gilligan, Michelle Wolf and John Bishop are among the comedians scheduled to perform.
Howard said he hopes Felix’s name will become associated with “kindness, compassion and laughter” while helping other families through difficult circumstances.
