Tribute to Paprika Joy Ridge

I’m running in the Percy Pud race on Sunday! A friend kindly gave me his race number and said I could use it to raise money for a cause of my choice. As it was my running route with Paprika sat on my bladder, it would mean so much to raise a bit more for the Special Care Baby Unit. Especially over Christmas as it can go towards other families making special Christmas memories ❤️

I wasn’t sure what to expect. We’d hoped for the most incredible send off for our daughter, but was very aware of freaking out or breaking down, completely overwhelmed in a situation we never thought we’d ever have to go through. I certainly didn’t expect to be smiling and shedding happy tears through the service. Happy that we’d had the pleasure of spending time and the opportunity to look after our precious little girl. Blessed by the most talented, creative and funny friends leading and playing as part of the service, making sure we were ok. Feeling Gods presence whilst praying everyone else was too. Having a faith so strong that I know for a fact she’s in a better place with Jesus even though I (we) want her back more than anything in the world. Traveling by princess carriage with our beautiful baby girl dressed in my wedding dress re made by her clever Nana along with the most beautiful flowers from her garden. To be followed by an ever growing procession of family, friends, work colleagues, neighbours, ICU nurses getting absolutely drenched in the pouring rain so we could walk into the building without feeling completely overwhelmed. Many of which have suffered their own losses and battling with their own grief, as I mentioned at the service, not something that’s talked about any where near enough. It was the most special sight and one I want to treasure forever. Rocks were painted so we can pop them on her grave when we visit and eco baloons were released as the sunshine made a brief appreciate. It was the most perfect day. My prayer is that you too feel Gods love, joy, hope and peace through the toughest of times 💜 🕊️ Thank you to everyone who has / is supporting us and to those who have kindly donated to the Special Care Baby Unit as it’s currently just over 2k (!)

Thank you for setting up this memorial to Paprika. We hope that you find it a positive experience developing the site and that it becomes a place of comfort and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.

I am I and you are you, whatever we were to each other that we still are. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? Life means all that it ever meant, it is the same as it ever was.