Fundraisers have joined the fight to help a new mum get her late partner’s name on their newborn’s birth certificate.
Devastated mum Jodie Garrod has been told by officials she has to prove her late partner Jamie Sanders is newborn Olivia’s father in order to include his name on the certificate.
Jodie cannot even give Olivia her dad’s surname until she provides the necessary proof..
Jamie, who worked as a refrigeration engineer, died after he suffered a brain haemorrhage aged just 26.
The tragedy struck when he collapsed at a regular Monday evening six-a-side game with old school friends.
His relatives were faced with the devastating decision to switch off a life-support machine in hospital.
A month later, Jodie and Jamie’s baby was born and brought joy to the family during the tragic time.
But Jodie, of New Waltham, North East Lincs., has described the birth certificate row as “a kick in the teeth” after losing her partner suddenly last December.
Their daughter was named Olivia because that was the name Jamie had wished for her to have.
Now, Jodie is faced with a legal battle, needing to pay for a DNA test to prove that Jamie is Olivia’s dad, as well as legal fees.
In a bid to stump up the funds to take on the battle, a disco, raffle and quiz was hosted at a pub in Grimsby, North Lincs..
Jodie said it would “mean the world” to her for Olivia to legally adopt the Sanders name.
“It means a hell of a lot to me. I don’t want her to grow up thinking why has my sister got my dad’s name but not me.
“There’s a lot of people here to support me, it’s crazy really.
“It’s just frustrating that we have to go through with all of this. It’s a long drawn out process and is one thing after another.
“It will be nice for it to be over and sorted.”
Olivia was born on January 16, with Jodie’s mum Alison McLaughlin and aunt Claire Garrod in attendance at the hospital.
Jodie gave birth to 9lb 10oz Olivia at 9.31am.
Raffle prizes at the fundraising event included a mini-cruise, wine, a signed football and a selection of food items.
Jodie’s aunt, Claire Garrod, was in charge of organising the raffle and thanked the host of local companies who have supported the family’s cause.
She said: “We are a close knit family and we all want to give Jodie happiness now. It will mean so much to Olivia when she’s older when she understands what’s gone on.”
Legislation contained in the Birth and Deaths Registration Act of 1953 has its roots in early 19th century law.
The section on births where the parents are not married has several qualifying requirements which state both parents have to be present for the certificate with the father’s name to be signed
