Dad keeps daughter’s memory alive after he lost her to SIDS

As a way to keep his beautiful daughter’s memory alive, each year Billy Drury hosts a party to not only share stories of Bella but to raise funds for the Toowoomba Hospital.

Billy Drury is remembering his daughter Bella Drury with a special day dedicated to her each year.

Born eight weeks premature Bella Drury was born a healthy and happy baby.

However, just four weeks after she entered the world Bella passed away from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and four years later it is still something her father Billy Drury struggles to come to terms with.

“Every day I would arrive at the hospital at 7am and stay until 10pm, each day falling more in love with Bella and watching her stealing the hearts of doctors and staff,” he said.

“She had an aurora of beauty and wisdom that attracted people. She was perfect.

Billy Drury is remembering his daughter Bella Drury with a special day dedicated to her each year.

“The effect she had on the hospital staff was also evident when around a dozen doctors and nurses showed up at her funeral. I never did get any real answer as to why she passed just that it must have been a complication due to premature birth.”

As a way to keep his beautiful daughter’s memory alive, each year around her birthday Mr Drury hosts a party to not only share stories of Bella but to raise funds for the Toowoomba Hospital’s Neonatal Unit.

Something About Bella will be held on Sunday, March 21 from 11am at Willowburn Park.

The family friendly event will have a number of vendors with Tomnet cooking a barbecue, there will also be snow cones as well as delicious treats and a birthday cake made by Hoffcake Co.

Billy Drury is remembering his daughter Bella Drury with a special day dedicated to her each year.

There will also be a variety of activities such as a ball toss, an inflatable kicking target, jumping castle, colouring competition, treasure hunt and if conditions are right there may be some skydivers dropping in from 1pm.

If you have a vehicle that you think could take out the title of best bike or car bring it along on the day between 10am and 11am for judging for your chance to win a trophy.

Entry is $10.

The event aims to raise $3500 and raises funds through raffles, food and drink sales as well as donations.

Mr Drury said he waned to attach a positive cause to her memory.

“Bella had a short life that impacted many and I sensed she still had more to do after her passing,” he said.

“For me personally it’s just a way to throw Bella a party each year and keep her memory alive.

“But Bella’s legacy is to improve the equipment and facilities at the hospital where she lived her life and give little ones that need extra help the best chance.

“A bonus for me is running this event makes it easier to live with the loss because it’s much easier to focus on the positive memories.”

For more information search Something About Bella on Facebook.