A family from Teesside and a well-known Middlesbrough born artist have unveiled a special commissioned artwork at the University Hospital of North Tees, to support parents experiencing the loss of a baby following the passing of their own son Angelo.
Parents Alice and Michael Miles who live in Nunthorpe in Middlesbrough, alongside Angelo’s grandparents and sister Elle Smith, who is a midwife at the organisation, were at the unveiling which saw the new commissioned artwork officially unveiled by internationally acclaimed artist Mackenzie Thorpe.
Representatives from the organisation’s arts council, chair Professor Derek Bell, charity 4Louis and some of the midwifery management team and the staff involved in Angelo’s care were also at the unveiling.
Angelo’s story
Alice and Michael, along with big brother Massimo and family, welcomed little Angelo on 6 July 2025.
However, complications that occurred just two weeks before Alice’s due date, described by the family as a ‘one-in-a-million chance’, meant that Angelo was born early and lived for 59 precious minutes.
The family were moved to the Snowdrop Suite, based within the delivery suit at North Tees, where they were able to spend some quiet moments together with Angelo, making memories and sharing many cuddles.
A memory box donated by baby loss charity 4Louis contained two small knitted blue hearts. Both hearts were held by Angelo, and kept with him right up until the day of his funeral. Afterwards, Mam and Dad kept one of these hearts and Angelo kept the other – an emotional bond to maintain a real connection to Angelo.
In the corridor outside of the snowdrop suite, the family also came across a special framed poem called ‘little snowdrops’ that they found poignant and uplifting, it offered a message that brought unexpected comfort and peace.
Reaching out to the artist
Angelo’s grandad Andrew Smith (Pops) said: “The hearts and the poem were two specific things that really gave the family comfort and strength during a time of genuine heartbreak and utter sadness. We knew we wanted to help other families who may suffer the heartbreak of similar circumstance and to find a way to commemorate Angelo.
“I remembered how deeply the work of Mackenzie Thorpe resonated with me, so we reached out in the hope that Mackenzie may consider a commission. And thankfully, Mackenzie and his family said yes.”
Commemorative artwork to comfort other families
Mackenzie, Mackenzie’s son Owen, Andrew and the rest of the family spent several months speaking to one another to get the concept just right. The final piece took Mackenzie four attempts before he felt it conveyed real emotion and perfectly reflected Angelo’s legacy of love and hope.
The pastel artwork will take pride of place next to the Snowdrop Suite poem that helped to inspire the commission. The design incorporates two central figures, two blue hearts and rainbows – symbols that speak deeply to many families who have experienced baby loss.
Alongside commissioning the artwork, the family also raised funds for 4Louis, the charity that supported them following Angelo’s passing. Through donations, general fundraising, and a sponsored Middlesbrough 10k run, they have raised £7,000 to help other bereaved families receive memory boxes and knitted hearts, the very same hearts that meant and still mean so much to them.
A moving tribute
Artist Mackenzie Thorpe, said: “I’m the oldest of seven siblings and my youngest brother Robin, died at just 15-days old. Nobody goes away – I remember it to this day and he still has an impact on my artwork.
“Angelo and Robin, they left, but they have left a lasting impression. I wanted to be able to share my response to his story and to put it down on paper so that other families going through a similar situation can also understand how our loved ones, no matter how long they are with us, can leave a lasting impression on our lives.”
During the unveiling, the family also expressed heartfelt thanks to the maternity staff on shift the day Angelo was born, describing them as ‘fantastic and so supportive.’ Many of the staff who were on shift that day later attended Angelo’s funeral – a gesture the family say they will never forget.
Angelo’s purpose
Andrew continues: “There were coincidences that led to the feeling that although Angelo was only here for a short time, his purpose was to help others through enabling this artwork to be.
“From being told by Alice and Michael that they intended to name him Angelo and moments later, hearing his name on the radio in relation to a discussion on artist Michelangelo. To discovering that Angelo shared his birthday with Owen (Mackenzie’s Son).
“It has felt as though this artwork was meant to be created and we are so grateful to Mackenzie and his family for agreeing to take on the commission. We’re also so grateful to 4Louis whose memory box made such a huge difference in helping us to create precious memories with Angelo.”
“That’s ultimately what we wanted – to create something that might lift other families during a time of overwhelming pain, even if only for a moment.”
Little Snowdrop poem
The world may never notice If a Snowdrop doesn’t bloom,
Or even pause to wonder If the petals fall too soon.
But every life that ever forms, Or ever comes to be,
Touches the world in some small way For all eternity.
The little one we longed for Was swiftly here and gone.
But the love that was then planted Is a light that still shines on.
And though our arms are empty,
Our hearts know what to do.
For every beating of our hearts,
Says that we love you.