A Galway woman has bravely spoken of the unimaginable trauma of losing both of her babies at birth – as a tribute to her own little baby boy and girl.

Katie Pender shared her family’s deeply personal story of baby loss in a powerful speech at Stormont, the seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Katie and her husband Thomas have faced the unimaginable heartbreak of losing both of their babies; their son Fionn, who was born sleeping in June 2024, and their daughter Mia, who was also born sleeping just one year later in June 2025.

“It’s every parent’s worst nightmare, to say goodbye before you ever get to say hello,” Katie said.

“Fionn and Mia are our whole world. Speaking their names and sharing their story keeps their memory alive and that’s what gives me strength.”

Katie, from Caltra, travelled from her home to Belfast last week to speak during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time dedicated to breaking the silence around pregnancy and infant loss and remembering all the little ones who are forever loved and missed.

Standing inside the historic halls of Stormont, Katie spoke on behalf of bereaved parents and highlighted the incredible work being done by two charities close to her heart – Féileacáin, the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Association of Ireland, and the White Butterfly Foundation in Northern Ireland.

“Féileacáin is an amazing charity that supports families all across the south of Ireland,” Katie said.

“They were there for us when our world fell apart, providing memory boxes, counselling, and most of all, understanding. And in the north, the White Butterfly Foundation is doing incredible work, giving families a voice and a community of support.”

During the visit, Katie and Thomas met with First Minister Michelle O’Neill, who listened to the group’s experiences and offered her support for improved services and recognition for families affected by baby loss.

Caption: Katie Pender at the end of the famous drive up to Stormont.

Read Katie’s full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune, on sale in shops now, or you can download the digital edition from www.connachttribune.ie. You can also download our Connacht Tribune App from Apple’s App Store or get the Android Version from Google Play.