Actor Fights Back Tears as Charity Hits £5 Million Milestone in Honour of Late Daughter
Actor James Murray, known for his roles in TV shows like "Doc Martin" and "Line of Duty," became emotional on Alan Titchmarsh's "Love Your Weekend" while discussing the incredible milestone reached by the Murray Parish Trust, a charity he co-founded with his wife, Sarah Parish.
The couple established the trust in 2014 after the heartbreaking loss of their baby daughter, Ella-Jayne, who sadly passed away at just eight months old due to a congenital heart defect. The charity aims to raise funds for paediatric emergency medicine across southern England, with a particular focus on Southampton Children's Hospital.
During the programme, Titchmarsh commended the couple for their tireless work, acknowledging the substantial impact they've made. "You've done a heck of a lot of work for Southampton hospital because of Ella-Jayne," he said. "You lost a child and you have raised millions, the two of you, for equipment for Southampton Hospital. And that goes on, presumably, does it?"
Murray, visibly moved, responded, "That keeps going on. That just keeps... We lost Ella-Jayne at the beginning of 2009 and we founded the charity a few years later." He shared that they have raised an incredible £5 million to date, which has funded vital equipment and facilities for paediatric care across eight counties.
The actor explained the purpose behind setting up the charity, saying, "We set that charity up as lots of people do who have been through trauma, as a way of giving back and as a therapy, as displacement if you like of where to put your grief. And it just grew."
Sarah Parish, who is also a successful actress, opened up to the Daily Mail about the profound impact their daughter's loss has had on their lives. "It changed us as people, definitely. It has to. And actually, the older you get, the more people you meet who have lost children. A lot of people lose children in far worse circumstances than Jim and me," she shared.
Reflecting on their time with Ella-Jayne, Parish said, "Ella-Jayne was only eight months old, she was very poorly anyway, so we were already prepped for what could happen. I've known people who have lost their children at the age of 16."
Despite the immeasurable pain of their loss, the couple has found strength and purpose in their charitable work. "It's just unbearable," Parish admitted. "It will always change you as a person. It's changed us for the better, I think."
The Murray Parish Trust continues to raise funds for essential paediatric care equipment, offering hope and support to families facing similar challenges. Their dedication to honouring their daughter's memory through this vital work is a testament to the power of love and resilience in the face of tragedy.
