Millie Ivy-Rose: Hamilton family mourns six-week-old ‘angel’

A grief-stricken Hamilton family has paid tribute to their six-week-old dream daughter found unresponsive in her cot.

The sudden death of six-week-old Millie Ivy-Rose McDonald has left her Hamilton family heartbroken.

On Monday Hamilton’s Heidi Cutchie and Jamie McDonald woke to a nightmare – their newborn baby was unresponsive in her cot.

Their six-week-old dream daughter, Millie Ivy-Rose, died soon after.

Still trapped in their world of despair and loss; the couple has been overwhelmed by their community’s outpouring of messages of love and support.

Heidi’s sister Lucy Cutchie said the family was coping “as best we can”.

“You don’t expect to fall asleep, then wake up and find your baby is gone,” Lucy said.

“That’s the hardest thing. A healthy, happy little baby girl is now gone. There’s no preparing for that.

“My sister is being incredibly strong.”

Lucy said Millie was the first child for Heidi and Jamie, who are engaged. Heidi has three children and Jamie one child from previous relationships.

“Millie was so wanted and so loved,” Lucy said.

“Her dad was so smitten. She was his little princess.”

Covid restrictions are also making things even harder for the family, with one of their siblings trapped in (state) and unable to return to Victoria to grieve with her sisters having just relocated interstate.

“My two biggest sisters are very close and that’s been the hardest part for them — she can’t give her a cuddle or anything,” Lucy said.

The cause of Millie’s death has not been confirmed, however police are preparing a report for the coroner.

Lucy has started a GoFundMe campaign to help raise funds for Millie’s funeral and the family has been amazed by the support it has received.

“It has been amazing — the love and support, the messages from people have just been overwhelming,” she said.

“I originally hoped we could raise $500 just to put a dent in what they’ll need, so it’s surpassed my expectations.

“It’s something you think ‘what are people going to think’ because it’s a baby. Your mind goes to the worst case of ‘what will people say’ but we’ve sent so many beautiful messages of support.

“There’s been a few people and a business in town that we wanted to get a few things — and they won’t take payment for them.

“It’s just been fantastic, it really has.”