This is such a beautiful story. It’s taken me a few weeks to write. I spoke to Louise Howells at 5pm on Sunday 21 September, and here I am over two weeks later, clicking publish.
Some stories just sit in my head while I figure out how to get them down on ‘paper’ with sensitivity.
In Louise’s own social media posts, she heads them with a trigger warning, as it’s about raising awareness of baby loss.
Megan Howells was born at Abergavenny’s Nevill Hall Hospital on 12 March 2008 and passed away on 13 March. Her family is organising a charity fundraising party in March 2026, the month she would’ve turned 18.
Can you or your business support this party with a raffle prize or in any other way?
It’s one of several special events they are holding in 2026 to raise money for Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board’s (ABUHB) maternity bereavement fund, and Morgan’s Wings, a miscarriage charity.
Baby loss
Louise Howells, Megan’s mum, has had a long career as a midwife and now works as a bereavement midwife with ABUHB. She told me she “really comfortable talking about” baby loss and, through these events, wants to raise awareness.
She said: “It affects far more people than we realise. People will say, ‘we’ve been friends for five years, and you never said.’ People find it difficult.
“Megan would be 18 in March, and we want to celebrate it like she was alive.
“Please support our cause in any way you can. If you don’t know me and Craig, you will know someone who has experienced the loss of a baby during pregnancy or soon after birth. Please help us raise valuable funds for these amazing causes. “
Tickets and additional event information will be available soon.
Greg, Megan’s dad, is planning a three-day cycle ride from North Wales to South Wales (22 – 25 May 2026), finishing at Ty Hafan in Cardiff. Around 20 places will be available on this adventure to raise money for the charities. They are finalising the logistics, including booking accommodation for the cyclists in bunkhouses along the route. Look out for more info on Cwmbran Life soon if you’re interested in this adventure.
He’s looking for a t-shirt sponsor and other support. Find out more on the Miles For Megan Facebook page.
Megan was born after a straightforward pregnancy and labour. But there were unexpected complications, and she went into resuscitation. She died with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy.
If you’ve been affected by anything in this story, please contact Morgan’s Wings.
Donate to the family’s fundraiser
Donate using their GoFundMe link.