Father from Bury St Edmunds writes touching rap in memory of premature daughter Lola

The heartache and pain of losing his premature baby has inspired a father of two from Bury St Edmunds to write and record a touching song in her memory.

It was back in July 2013, just 24 weeks into her pregnancy, that Sammie Palmer was rushed into the West Suffolk Hospital, in Bury St Edmunds, where she gave birth to a daughter named Lola.

Transferred to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH), for 12 hours the tiny little tot fought for her life but was sadly too small to survive.

And as a tribute to his daughter Craig Palmer has now written and recorded Lola – a rap which describes the agonising experience of losing her.

The 31-year-old, who lives on the Howard Estate, hopes it will help those going through the struggle of having a premature baby.

The couple, who have daughters Lily-Mae, aged three, and Mia-Rose, aged two, also want to raise money for the neonatal units at both hospitals.

He said: “I wanted to make people more aware of it because it was something I did not expect to happen to us. I have tried to make it as honest and as real as possible. It feels like I have achieved something in Lola’s name and is something I am proud of. Although her life was short, she will always have a special place in our hearts.

“We had so much support from both hospitals,” said Mr Palmer. “All the staff (West Suffolk Hospital) were great and I couldn’t have asked for a better team of nurses, midwives and doctors.

“The NNUH helped us make memories that will last for ever. We have Lola’s handprint and footprint and photos that they took for us. They gave us time to spend with Lola. It was what we needed and they were really supportive.

“This meant I was able to have her actual foot and handprints on my tattoo. The tattoo is on my shoulder/back to remind me she is always looking out for me over my shoulder.”

Mrs Palmer, 27, said she hoped they could help people talk more about what is an emotive subject.

“It is rare to get a man’s point of view,” she said. “With this sort of thing it is always women speaking about how they felt, because obviously we are the ones who go through the labour. I think to get a man’s perspective is raising awareness for them and getting them to speak out. I think a lot of men don’t get the opportunity often to say how upset they are because they are always supporting their wives.

“I am really proud of him because it is so touching and that is our daughter and he has done something amazing for her.”

They have already raised £1,295 of their target of £5,000 for the My WiSH charity, which supports the West Suffolk Hospital, and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

For information on how to donate and download the song visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/CraigPalmer6 and the track is also available on Spotify, iTunes, Googleplay, Amazon and various other streaming sites.

Pictured above is Craig and Sammie Palmer with their two daughters Lily-Mae and Mia-Rose.