“I live everyday doing my best to honour Mia Grace’s memory, by living a life full of gratitude and love. I’ll wear red in honour of Mia Grace on Red Nose Day and continue to share her story.” –
Matthew, father to Mia Grace
Valentines Day 2023 looked a little different for my wife Jordan and I. The most celebrated day of love also turned out to be one of the most heartbreaking for us – our firstborn, Mia Grace, was stillborn at 18 weeks and two days gestation.
Following years of infertility and heartbreak, losing our baby girl changed everything.
Mia Grace was our dream come true. She was loved beyond words from the moment we knew she existed. We never got to see her take a breath, but we got to hold her, name her, and wrap her in love for three precious days.
Our hopes for our gorgeous girl were simple: to give her a beautiful life surrounded by family, love and care. She was, and always will be, our firstborn, our daughter and the one who made us parents.
In those first raw days of grief, the hospital informed us that the services of Red Nose would be a lifeline. Although we didn’t engage directly with Red Nose, I’ve always admired the work they do, particularly in making space for parents to grieve openly and also in raising awareness about stillbirth and infant loss.
I recently reached out to Red Nose after I reconnected with and was encouraged by the midwife who delivered Mia into this world at The Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick. Mia’s passing has inspired me to speak of my experience so that other families and bereaved fathers feel less alone in their darkest hours.
Encouraging others this Red Nose Day, 28 August 2025
While I didn’t formally receive support from Red Nose, I continue to follow and support their work. I’ve always admired the work they do, particularly in making space for parents to grieve openly and also in raising awareness about stillbirth and infant loss. Their resources, campaigns and advocacy efforts have helped normalise conversations around baby loss.
“When a baby dies, the world gets quiet. Red Nose helps break that silence and bring comfort, connection and care to families in their darkest hours. By supporting Red Nose Day, you’re not just donating to a charity, you’re standing beside every parent who doesn’t get to hold their baby in their arms and saying, I see you, I hear you, you’re not alone. You’re helping save lives and support broken hearts. That matters more than you know.”
Matthew’s message to other parents who are going through their grief journey
You are not alone! Your grief is valid. Your baby mattered. And the way you’re surviving each day, even in the smallest ways, is a quiet form of courage. Please don’t carry it all by yourself. Reach out. Talk. Cry. Connect. There’s no “right” way to grieve, only your way.
Our light after the heartbreak
My wife and I are now parents to our beautiful living daughter Willow, born on 12 January 2024. She is the light that came after the storm, our true rainbow baby. We also have a much-loved Groodle named Archie, who was our constant companion and rock through it all.
Matthew is currently completing a memoir titled ‘A Father’s Love’ dedicated to Mia Grace and he’s lovingly shared parts of the journey on social media via Instagram on @_afatherslove.
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There are many ways to get involved in this year’s Red Nose Day. You can fundraise in honour of a little life, host a Red Nose Disco, buy merchandise or make a donation. Visit rednoseday.org.au