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Chelsea McGillivray, a 31-year-old first-time mother from Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire, tragically passed away during childbirth after suffering an unexplained cardiac event in labour. Despite receiving CPR, medical staff were unable to revive her. Her son, Tommy, was born safely and spent two days under observation in the neonatal intensive care unit before returning home in good health with his father, Jack.
Chelsea’s pregnancy had progressed normally, with all tests indicating no health concerns. When her waters broke at full term, she initially went to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, where she was examined and sent home. Soon after, her contractions intensified rapidly, prompting her to return to the hospital accompanied by Jack and her mother. According to Chelsea’s sister-in-law, Lorna McGillivray, “She was in labour pain but she was still in good spirits and cracking jokes.” However, shortly before delivery, Chelsea suddenly collapsed. Emergency staff responded immediately, performing CPR, but she suffered an unexpected cardiac arrest despite having no prior symptoms.
The family has been grappling with their grief while finding comfort in baby Tommy, whom Lorna described as “just perfect” and “the light that is keeping us going through all of this.” Chelsea had been eagerly preparing for motherhood, organizing celebrations including a baby shower and gender reveal, and had been excitedly anticipating taking care of her child. Her joyous spirit was well known to family and friends; Lorna recalled Chelsea’s “infectious laugh” and how she was “the life and soul of everywhere.” The family is united in their efforts to support both the newborn and Jack, who is coping with the heartbreak while embracing his new role as a father.
In response to their situation, a fundraising campaign has been launched to assist Jack, who is self-employed, allowing him to focus on raising Tommy without financial strain. The appeal has raised more than £85,000 to date. Lorna emphasized the importance of this support: “He needs to spend time with Tommy and grieve without worrying about finances.” She also reflected on Chelsea’s strength during the ordeal, noting that “She wasn’t scared, she wouldn’t have known this was going to happen and she held on long enough to get baby Tommy here.” The family continues to honor Chelsea’s memory by celebrating Tommy’s arrival while managing the overwhelming sorrow of their loss. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde expressed their condolences, stating, “Our heartfelt condolences are with Chelsea’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
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