A teenager from Woodchurch has suffered the loss of her baby boy, the third tragedy to strike her family in the past 12 years. Sophie Robinson, 17, was around 25 weeks pregnant when a scan at Arrowe Park Hospital revealed that her son, who she had already named Arlo, had died. Her father, Steve Robinson, 56, said the family is now making arrangements for Arlo's funeral.

A series of tragedies

Sophie's mother, Helen Robinson, died from lung cancer in 2019, aged 46. Earlier, in July 2014, Sophie's aunt, Sharon Winters, was murdered in her flat on County Road, north Liverpool. Kevin Hawke was jailed for life in October 2014 for the murder, as previously reported.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo with Sophie's permission, Steve Robinson described the recent years as "hell". He said: "I'm just trying to do my best as a dad. I just don't know what to do. For the last few years, it's just been hell, to be honest."

The loss of baby Arlo

Steve Robinson recounted the events leading to Arlo's death. "We went for a scan a couple of weeks ago to find out what sex the bay was, and everything seemed ok," he said. "Then we went to Arrowe Park [Hospital] for a scan and they said, unfortunately, the baby's dead. Then we had to go back two days later. She had to give birth to a baby."

Describing the birth, he said: "When the baby was born, oh my God, it was devastating. She just wouldn't let go of the baby. It's just devastating. She's been through a lot."

The loss of Helen and Sharon has had a lasting impact on the family. Steve noted that Sophie "took it really badly" and that "it took a long time to get over that as well". He added that his sister Sharon was "kind, sweet and would give her last pound to help someone else". He also mentioned that he found out about his sister's murder while checking football scores online, and that the police came to speak to him afterwards.

Fundraiser for funeral and remembrance

Steve Robinson is hoping a fundraiser will cover the cost of a coffin for Arlo and a remembrance plaque in a local park. Sophie wants to carry the coffin herself, which her father described as "quite brave".

Steve also praised the Butterfly Suite at Arrowe Park, a specialised bereavement unit, calling the staff "absolutely amazing". He said that after the fundraiser, he would like to either buy something the unit needs or give a donation.