In loving memory of their beautiful baby boy, Orlando, parents Taylor (pictured with daughter Amelia) and Shae have turned unimaginable heartbreak into a touching act of kindness by bringing joy to children at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH).

Orlando was just five weeks old when he tragically passed away on Father’s Day, September 4, 2022, due to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). To honour his memory, Taylor and Shae took on a 30-day challenge, walking 5 kilometres every day.

In less than two weeks, they hit their $1,000 goal and by the end of the 30 days, they’d doubled it, raising over $2,000 and walking more than 200 kilometres.

The WCH holds a special place in their hearts as it’s where they spent their final moments with Orlando. They remember the staff with deep gratitude, describing them as “absolutely lovely,” and sharing they wanted to give back in Orlando’s memory to help other children and families who need it most.

With the funds they raised, Shae and Taylor purchased toys and donated them to the WCH Foundation. For the couple, this gesture carries a deep and personal meaning. “We never got to buy our son any toys or gifts, or celebrate any birthdays or Christmases with him” Taylor said.

Reflecting on their fundraising efforts, Taylor shared how much the kindness of others has meant to them. “The support we received from the community and both friends and family has been very heartwarming!” he said.

Through their love and determination, Orlando’s legacy now lives on in every smile their gift creates, bringing moments of joy and comfort to children and families at the hospital.

The commitment and passion of Bridget Claire McCartan for burns nursing continues to leave a lasting mark on the field, empowering dedicated nurses to advance their expertise and deliver exceptional care.

To honour her memory and tireless dedication, the Bridget Claire McCartan (BCM) Scholarship was established by Bridget’s family to support nurses committed to burns care, offering them opportunities for professional growth and fostering excellence within the specialty.

For Round 1 of 2025, the scholarship was proudly presented to two outstanding recipients, Rochelle Claude (pictured far left) and Amy Myatt (pictured second from left). Selected for their outstanding dedication to advancing burns care, Amy and Rochelle have been awarded the opportunity to attend the Australian and New Zealand Burn Association (ANZBA) Nursing Seminar, taking place in Hobart on May 30 – 31, 2025.

This opportunity, made possible through the BCM Scholarship, offers a valuable platform for nurses to expand their knowledge, share best practices, and further develop their expertise in burn injury management and care.

Looking ahead, the scholarship continues to pave the way for even greater opportunities. Round 2 of the 2025 BCM Scholarship will open soon, offering another chance for nurses to attend the ANZBA Annual Scientific Meeting held in Adelaide, between October 14 – 17, 2025.

Through the ongoing support provided by the Bridget Claire McCartan Scholarship, Bridget’s legacy lives on as a source of inspiration, empowerment, and excellence in the care of burns patients.