Saanvi’s Story
Bansi and Dipak were left heartbroken when their daughter, Saanvi, died suddenly in her sleep on 22 December 2024, at just eight months old. With no illness, no warning signs and an evening filled with laughter the night before, the shock was unimaginable.
Saanvi’s mum, Bansi, reflected on those early days, “Saanvi’s personality was already shining through. She had the most infectious laugh. She could turn the whole house into a different colour because she laughed so loud. She recognised her daddy’s voice instantly; as soon as he walked into the room, the squeals that came out of her were incredible.”
Saanvi adored her big brothers, Krish and Neel, and happily joined in their noisy games. “She was such a happy little girl. She really got stuck in with the boys – all the tickles, the giggles, even the rough play,” Bansi recalls, “she loved being part of it all.”
But just before Christmas, everything changed. “We woke up to find Saanvi had passed away in her sleep,” Bansi says. “It wasn’t something you’re ever prepared for. The night before, we were all laughing and playing together. To wake up and find your child like that… nothing prepares you.”
Two weeks later, the family received a call from Kath, their Family Support Worker at Shooting Star. Kath visited them at home in mid-January, accompanied by a nurse liaison, and continued to support them through the most painful early steps. From navigating coroners and funeral directors to the difficulty of obtaining a death certificate over the Christmas and New Year period.
“Kath helped guide us through everything that was coming,” Bansi explains. “She supported us through each milestone, especially Saanvi’s birthday in April. It was so difficult, but having someone prepare us, tell us it was normal to feel anxious or apprehensive, it made such a difference.”
For Saanvi’s grandmother, Raju, the support meant knowing her daughter wasn’t facing everything alone. “As a mum, you always want to be there for your child,” she says. “But sometimes you’re not enough. You don’t have the tools or the knowledge. I appreciate everything Kath has done because it’s enabled Bansi to come so far forward.”
As the months went on, Bansi realised she needed more than just day-to-day support. When Kath suggested the Breathe well-being sessions at Shooting Star, Bansi visited the weekly Bereavement Café at Shooting Star House to learn more. “I spoke to someone who understood, who didn’t judge, who said it was okay to cry. After that hour, I knew this was something that could help.”
Bansi and Dipak, joined the six-week Breathe programme together, something they hadn’t realised they both needed. “My husband had been so focused on work and getting back out there, he hadn’t taken time for himself. Breathe gave us something we could do together. Learning to breathe, to ground myself, to calm my mind, it doesn’t take the pain away, but it helps me know I’m still here, I’m still okay.”
Alongside Breathe, the family have found comfort in Memory Day, Pamper Day, and the Bereavement Café. “If I didn’t have that support,” Bansi says, “I would probably be very alone.”
Raju also found solace at Shooting Star. “I’ve always felt welcome here,” she says. “You can talk without being judged. I even brought Kath photos of Bansi before all this happened. I said, ‘This is my daughter. This is who she really is. I want that light back.’ Months later, at Memory Day, Kath said she could see a little of that light returning. And I said, yes, I can too.”
The family continue to navigate life without their little girl, carrying her laughter and spirit with them every day. “We had two little ones who needed us,” Bansi says. “If we couldn’t be strong for ourselves, we had to be strong for them. The help we’ve had has been immense. It’s helped me get stronger and it’s helped us feel less alone.”
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