LONDON — Russell Howard has revealed that his baby son Felix died shortly after birth earlier this year, saying he and his wife Cerys went through the “most devastating time of our lives”. The comedian said the loss left them with “unimaginable heartache”, but also prompted them to think about how they could support other families in similar situations.
Howard praised the care he and Cerys received from hospital staff after Felix died, describing their compassion, kindness and humanity as extraordinary. He said the experience included precious hours with their son in a cool cot, which allowed the couple to hold him, talk to him and tell him they loved him.
Comedian describes hours with Felix as precious memories
In a statement posted on social media, Howard said those hours with Felix were among the most treasured memories his family now has. He said the hospital team gave them time with their son in circumstances that he and Cerys will never forget, and he singled out a bereavement midwife named Lauren for special praise.
Howard said Lauren had experienced a similar tragedy herself before retraining to support other families. He said her care meant more to them than they could express in words. The comedian added that he and his wife made a promise to try to help other parents who find themselves facing the same devastating circumstances.
The couple had not publicly announced at the time that they were expecting their second child. Howard and Cerys also share another son, who was born in August 2024.
New foundation will support families affected by baby loss
Howard said he and Cerys are now launching The Felix Foundation in their son’s name. The charity will aim to help families affected by miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, neonatal death and related bereavement.
The pair said the foundation grew out of their own experience and the support they received in hospital. Howard said they wanted to turn that care into something that could help others at one of the most painful moments a family can face. The foundation has been announced alongside plans for a comedy fundraiser next year.
According to Howard, the aim is to provide practical help and recognition for families dealing with baby loss, as well as support for the people and services around them.
London O2 Arena gala will bring together major comics for charity
A fundraising event called the Stand-Up Gala will take place at London’s O2 Arena in February to raise money for the new charity. Among the comedians set to perform are Michael McIntyre, Jimmy Carr, Aisling Bea, John Bishop and Mo Gilligan.
Howard said he would “never forget the generosity” of his fellow comics, who are giving their time to the show completely free of charge. He said their support reflected the spirit of the event and the importance of helping families affected by loss.
The 46-year-old is one of the UK’s best-known stand-up comics, having appeared on programmes including Mock The Week and Russell Howard’s Good News. He recently performed a string of shows at the Edinburgh Fringe festival and is currently on a UK stand-up tour.
Howard says hospital support inspired promise to help others
Howard’s announcement has drawn attention to baby loss and the role specialist hospital staff can play in supporting grieving parents. He said the care from the bereavement midwife and wider team helped him and Cerys through the immediate aftermath of Felix’s death.
The comedian’s statement also underlined how the couple’s plans are rooted in personal experience rather than publicity. By setting up The Felix Foundation, they want to channel that experience into a charity that can support other families during miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death and related bereavement.
Details of the fundraiser suggest the project will combine comedy with charity work, bringing together some of the UK’s biggest names in stand-up for a cause Howard says is deeply personal.
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