Esmé Day: Northamptonshire Family Hosts Fundraising Event in Memory of Their Daughter

A Northamptonshire family is turning personal heartbreak into hope by hosting a special fundraising day at The Chester House Estate. The event is in support of the Twinkling Stars Appeal, a campaign led by Northamptonshire Health Charity to build a new maternity bereavement suite at Kettering General Hospital.

Esmé Day, taking place on Tuesday 27 May, has been organised by parents Carmen and Chris Smith in memory of their daughter Esmé, who was tragically stillborn at 38 weeks.

“Esmé would have been turning three this year,” said Carmen. “We wanted to mark the day with the kind of celebration we would have thrown for her, full of love, family, and joy. But more than that, we wanted to keep her name and her legacy alive. That’s how we parent her now.”

Carmen and Chris were inspired to support the Twinkling Stars Appeal after hearing about it during their time in hospital. The appeal aims to create a dedicated, comforting space where families experiencing baby loss can spend time together away from the main delivery ward.

“Being in that space after losing a child is unimaginable,” Carmen continued. “A bespoke suite where families can have privacy, access to bereavement midwives, and the chance to grieve on their own terms would make such a difference. Saying Esmé’s name and hearing others say it — that’s when we knew we could start grieving. We hope other families find comfort and community through Esmé Day.”

The event promises a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with something for the whole family to enjoy. Highlights include raffles, tombolas, games, children’s theatre performances, and a special moment of reflection for those who have experienced baby loss.

Held on the grounds of The Chester House Estate, the day is being supported by local and national businesses including NNBN, Stu Vincent Photography, Laugh Out Loud Theatre, Pebble Play, Pink Octopus, and Massive Hits FM.

Entry is free, but donations are encouraged, with collection buckets around the estate. All funds raised will go directly to the Twinkling Stars Appeal.

Visitors are advised to park at the main visitor car park on Claudius Way. Accessible parking is available at the Lime Avenue car park (NN29 7EZ) on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more details, to reserve your free ticket, or to find out how to donate or get involved, visit Esmé Day via The Chester House Estate’s website.