Comedian Russell Howard has announced the death of his baby son, Felix, who died hours after birth earlier this year. In a statement shared via social media on Friday, Howard described the loss as “the most devastating time of our lives”. The comedian and his wife, Cerys, are launching The Felix Foundation to support families facing similar bereavement.
The Felix Foundation and Stand-Up Gala
Howard and his wife, an NHS doctor, established The Felix Foundation to provide aid to families affected by neonatal death, stillbirth, miscarriage, or premature birth. The couple made the decision to start the charity following the care they received from hospital staff, which Howard described as showing “extraordinary compassion, kindness and humanity”.
https://x.com/russellhoward/status/2095811777258746084
To raise funds for the foundation, Howard is organizing a “Stand-Up Gala” at London’s O2 Arena in February.
- Michael McIntyre
- Jimmy Carr
- Aisling Bea
- John Bishop
- Mo Gilligan
Details of the Loss and Hospital Care
The couple had not publicly announced their pregnancy before the birth. Howard recalled that Felix was placed in a “cool cot” during their time in the hospital, which allowed him and Cerys to spend several hours holding and talking to their son. Howard stated these moments are among their “most precious memories”.
Howard specifically credited a bereavement midwife named Lauren, who had previously experienced a similar tragedy and retrained to support other families. He stated that her care “meant more to us than we could ever put into words”.
Family and Professional Background
Russell Howard and Cerys have been together since 2004. The couple shares another son, who was born in August 2024. Professionally, Howard is a prominent figure in UK comedy, known for his work on Mock The Week and Russell Howard’s Good News. He is currently conducting a UK stand-up tour and recently performed at the Edinburgh Fringe festival.
Quick Facts: The Felix Foundation
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Support for miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, and neonatal death |
| Fundraising Event | Stand-Up Gala (February) |
| Venue | O2 Arena, London |