Get the latest news to your email inbox FREE!

REGISTER

Get the latest news to your email inbox FREE!

REGISTER
HomeCommunityHonouring a little boy

Honouring a little boy

It was with much sadness that on Thursday of last week Peter Blundell and Sarah Reeves discovered their little boy was no longer alive.
As labour had already begun they proceeded with the delivery and Mandela Charles Reeves (Mannie) was born on Friday morning but never had the chance to take his first breath.
His little heart had stopped beating between the final check up on Tuesday and admission to hospital on Thursday – there was nothing that anyone could have done.
Peter and Sarah would particularly like to thank all the staff in attendance at the Stanthorpe Hospital who not only displayed utmost professionalism but amazing compassion during a very difficult situation. They are an absolute credit to their profession.
“We have been overwhelmed by love and support and it is at these times we realise what a wonderful community we belong to,” they said.
While they are both devastated at their loss they would like to honour Mannie’s existence by creating some positive memories.
Many people wonder at such times what they can do and Peter and Sarah have said that a part of what got them through the trauma of the ordeal was the knowledge that while it was terrible, there are many more women around the world who are far worse off and would not have survived due to lack of medical care.
Therefore, for those who have asked how they can help, an account has been established in Mannie’s name and they are asking that any contribution, no matter how small, be placed in this account. The money will be donated for the purchase of Zonta birthing kits to send to women in countries less fortunate than ours.
They will be establishing a formal trust in the long-term in the hope that they can fundraise and lobby for maternity facilities in the region to match the quality of the medical staff.
The bank account details are Sarah Reeves T/F Mannie Reeves; Account Number: 12641979; BSB 638010 (Heritage Bank).

Digital Edition
Subscribe

Get an all ACCESS PASS to the News and your Digital Edition with an online subscription

GALLERY: Crowds pack Stanthorpe for milestone Apple and Grape

Organisers of Australia’s longest running harvest festival have been left stunned by what they estimated to be a record year. Marking its 60th birthday, the...
More News

Wolves draw against leading club

Warwick Wolves came from behind to snare an impressive two-all draw in their round two Darling Downs Premier League Three senior men’s football clash...

GALLERY: Street parade pays tribute to festival’s 60th

Nothing beats a good old fashioned street parade and Stanthorpe proved why on Saturday. The town's main street became a stream of fruit-themed parade floats,...

Warwick writer among winners of global memoir competition

Emerging Warwick writer Sarah Fisher has earned a spot amongst 39 authors from around the world in a memoir compilation book. The book is titled...

Champion cowboys inbound as Stanthorpe Rodeo goes pro

The Brass Monkey Stanthorpe Rodeo has grabbed the reins and gone pro, joining the elite Australian Professional Rodeo Association line up of events for...

Supporting young people

World Teen Mental Wellness Day, held on 2 March 2026, is a day to create awareness and reduce stigma around teen mental health. Adolescence is...

Men’s fours decided

Peter Gynther (Southern Cross), Aaron McKinnon (Warwick East), Wes Smith (Inglewood) and Neville Morris (Texas) have come home strongly to secure the Men’s District...

Pink Ride tackles cancer fight

It’s a long and at times lonely journey but the Bony Mountain Pink Ride is always ready to be part of the fight against...

Summer Ready prepares for Autumn racing

Warwick hobby trainer Darryl Knight was thrilled to see Summer Ready back up her recent strong form and break a long winning drought for...

Cirson to represent region

Warwick Bowls club member Marian Cirson is set to represent the region after being part of this year’s Southern Downs Ladies Fours Championship winning...

Local music to mark harmony week in Warwick

Harmony Week 2026 is just around the corner, and the Southern Downs Refugee and Migrant Network (SDRMN) are contributing to this year’s celebrations with...