Felix Foundation launched
Comedian Russell Howard announces the death of his newborn son and launches memorial foundation.
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In his Instagram statement, Howard said the hospital staff “helped us navigate an unimaginable heartache,” and emphasized they were “overwhelmed by the care we received,” adding that he and Cerys “made a promise to each other” to help other families facing similar circumstances.
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Reporting added more detail on The Felix Foundation’s planned work: it will “support the additional training of midwives in specialist bereavement care” via “yearly grants” to help them access resources such as “counselling qualifications,” as well as “providing or funding …” bereavement support (details continued beyond the excerpt).
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One report noted Howard and Cerys “did not publicly announce they were expecting a second child,” adding context that the couple have been together for “22 years” and started dating in 2004.
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The announcement timing was clarified in coverage: Howard shared the news “on Friday morning,” and one outlet specified the date as “4 September.”
Comedian Russell Howard announced on Friday, September 4, that his baby son, Felix, died shortly after birth earlier this year. Howard and his wife, Cerys Morgan, said they spent only "precious hours" with their newborn before his death, describing it as "the most devastating time of our lives," according to Daily Record. In Felix's memory, the couple is launching The Felix Foundation to support families affected by miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, and related bereavement.
Howard shared gratitude to hospital staff and the NHS for their compassionate care during the tragedy. He highlighted the support of a bereavement midwife named Lauren, who had experienced a similar loss. The couple said the hospital placed Felix in a cool cot, allowing them time to hold him, talk to him, and say goodbye, as reported by Irish News.
Launching The Felix Foundation in His Memory
Howard and Morgan made a public commitment to help other families facing similar circumstances. The Felix Foundation will focus on supporting specialist bereavement training for midwives through yearly grants, helping them access resources like counselling qualifications, according to Daily Record. The couple did not publicly announce they were expecting a second child, Irish News noted.
A major fundraiser is already in the works. The foundation has announced a charity gala at The O2 in London scheduled for February, featuring renowned comedians including Jimmy Carr, Michael McIntyre, and Aisling Bea, Standard reported. The event aims to raise awareness and funds for families affected by pregnancy loss and neonatal death.
Hospital Care During An Unimaginable Time
In his Instagram statement, Howard said the hospital staff "helped us navigate an unimaginable heartache" and expressed that he and Cerys were "overwhelmed by the care we received." The couple promised each other to honor Felix's memory by supporting other families in crisis, as shared with Irish News. The compassionate approach to their loss included allowing extended time with their son before saying goodbye.
The role of specialized bereavement midwives proved crucial to Howard and Morgan's experience. Lauren, the bereavement midwife who cared for them, had herself navigated pregnancy loss, bringing deep understanding to her support. This personal connection highlighted the importance of training and resources for healthcare professionals who work with grieving families.
A 22-Year Partnership Tested By Loss
Howard, 46, and Morgan have been together for 22 years, having started dating in 2004, Irish News reported. The couple kept their recent pregnancy private, with no public announcement before Felix's birth and death. Their decision to channel their grief into The Felix Foundation reflects a shared commitment to transforming their loss into lasting support for others facing neonatal bereavement.
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