Laura Anne Byrne, 40, and Glen Wills, 37, lost their daughter, Alice Mai Rose, when she was just five months old.
The pair said they are now determined to ensure her story helps others, by educating the public on the signs of sepsis and supporting work to improve understanding of the condition.
Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency caused by the body’s overwhelming, toxic response to an infection, which damages its own tissues and organs.
Laura’s fundraiser for UK Sepsis Trust in memory of Alice (Image: submitted)
Laura said: “We raise awareness around Alice’s story, so around sepsis and around infections and baby loss.”
The couple from New Milton have taken their campaign on the road by becoming part of the car show community, using customised vehicles to spark conversations and collect donations.
Last year, they attended events with an Alice in Wonderland-themed Mercedes in tribute to their daughter.
This year, they are continuing their efforts with a Ford S-Max decorated in baby loss awareness colours.
Baby Alice (Image: Submitted)
Laura’s fundraiser for UK Sepsis Trust (Image: submitted)
Laura’s fundraiser for UK Sepsis Trust (Image: submitted)
Laura said: “We had a Mercedes last year that was Alice in Wonderland themed.
“We went to quite a lot of different car shows and we’re part of a car community. We were fundraising and raising awareness that way. And then we’re doing it again this year.”
In 2023, Alice was taken to hospital with breathing difficulties and was diagnosed with RSV bronchiolitis before being discharged with advice for recovery.
Her parents were told the worst days would pass and she would improve within a week.
However, her condition deteriorated, and she died on the seventh day.
Baby Alice and her father (Image: Submitted)
Laura said: “They did actually kind of say that they promised that day four and five will be your worst, but by day seven, she’d be absolutely fine.
“And by day seven, she actually passed away.”
She added: “We had her post-mortem and then we found out that she was fighting off five different infections which then led to the sepsis.”
The couple, Laura and Glen (Image: submitted)
Baby Alice (Image: Submitted)
The couple said there is still limited understanding of sepsis among the public, something they are working to change through their fundraising and supporting UK sepsis trust.
Laura said: “We speak to people who have been through similar experiences, and they understand.
“We keep Alice’s name alive and in loving memory of her and we just keep going really.”
The couple is organising a charity cake sale which will take place on April 17 at 64 Lymington road New Milton.