Burnley mum’s plane name bid in memory of Millie

Joanne Thompson, a former Ivy Bank pupil, and her husband Dan want to call the jet Enchanting Stars as a tribute to baby Millie who died in 2012 after a choking incident at nursery.

The couple, who have been nationally recognised for their tireless work to raise awareness of paediatric first aid training, are taking part in the Name Our Plane competition from Thomson Holidays.

They said the name would help to remember lost loved ones like Millie, who was just nine months old when she died, but also those who make them smile every day, like their son Leo who was born in February.

Joanne and Dan Thompson, Pride of Britain Award for Millie's Trust (s)

Joanne (30), who won a Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Award earlier this year, said: “Anniversaries of the loss of someone are hard at the best of times, but getting through the anniversary of losing a child brings up so much emotional turmoil.

“We will always lose a thousand tears on Millie’s anniversary and be wobbly for a few days – but this year we had our new addition Leo and he has changed so much for us, this is the first year that we have smiled genuine smiles on this sad day.

“Grief for a child doesn’t get easier and certainly not on anniversaries, the key is learning to live with what has happened, that makes a big difference.”

The couple are hoping people will support their entry to name the plane.

She said: “Dan and I chose the name Enchanting Stars because we wanted the public to have a name to relate to themselves.

“We all know that feeling of looking up to the stars and smiling remembering lost loved ones, but we also know the feeling of your loved ones that are still here with you making you smile every day.

“We have one of each type of enchanting star, our children Millie and Leo, so by choosing this name we have included so many memories for other people.”

To vote for the couple’s entry visit www.nameourplane.com/name/enchanting-stars.

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• Mum’s first-aid mission after baby’s chocking death