Morton's coach on the loss of his daughter: She fought for every minute.

The tragic story of Dougie Imrie and his daughter

According to The Sun: Morton team manager Dougie Imrie spoke about the 20 'unforgettable' days he spent with his daughter, who was born prematurely, before she passed away.

Dougie celebrated little Remie, who was born 14 weeks early, calling her a 'fighter' who gave him and his partner Lauren McCready priceless memories.

Dougie Imrie with Lauren Their daughter Remie tragically died after 20 days

Dougie shared that Remie, who weighed just 1 pound 4 ounces, was born on July 30, but despite some infections, she was getting stronger.

Unfortunately, the little one passed away at University Hospital Wishaw, Lanarkshire on August 19.

In an interview with The Scottish Sun, Dougie, who is 42 years old, said:

“We had an incredible 20 days with Remie. Unfortunately, we lost her. Her tiny lungs couldn't take it, and she could no longer fight.”

“But she is now resting in peace, and we are grateful for the 20 days we spent with her.”

“She fought every minute to give us those days and to give herself a chance to survive.”

“We will always be proud of her. She will always be with us.”

Difficult times and support

Dougie from Lanark was preparing for the new season of the Morton Championship when Lauren, 28, gave birth to Remie. He missed the first match of the campaign as he spent time by his daughter's bedside in the neonatal unit, hoping for a miracle.

Dougie noted:

“I think until you find yourself in this situation, it's hard to understand the emotions that overwhelm you when you enter the unit.”

“Because alarms are going off constantly. Machines, numbers, medications.”

“Remie was connected to three, four, five medications at once.”

“Her tiny body was covered in needles so doctors, nurses, and midwives could do their important job – caring for the babies.”

Dougie described the time with Remie as an 'emotional rollercoaster' with a palette of emotions.

He was able to be there at her birth, but the medical staff took her away immediately for intensive care.

Dougie shared:

“I was there. I was in the delivery room. We had that special moment, even if it was very brief.”

“Lauren was able to hold the little one only once before she was taken away with all the tubing.”

“Sometimes we felt sadness, as for a long time she was making progress and gaining weight.”

“You could see she was getting bigger, but at the same time she was fighting infections. She bravely overcame three of them.”

Dougie recalls the 'very emotional night' when the news of Remie's death came to him and Lauren.

He expressed gratitude to the doctors for allowing him to spend time with his daughter, creating unforgettable memories.

Dougie said:

“Even after the little one passed, the care and attention they gave me and Lauren during those days we were in the hospital with Remie was exceptional.”

“They were there every step of the way to ensure we were alright, and that Remie was too.”

“Those little things they did for us — handprints, bathing the little one, getting part of her hair. Those are the little things we will always cherish. These details have become priceless thanks to these people.”

Dougie noted that he now has to stay strong for Lauren and his six-year-old son Jenson from a previous relationship.

He remarked:

“Jenson is very innocent in all of this. He asks tough questions, but he’s still a child. I am very proud of Lauren and how she is handling the situation.”

Even after enduring this pain, Dougie returned to the football field the day after Remie’s funeral during a match against St Johnstone.

He emphasized:

“Football distracts me from the pain I feel for a few hours.”

Dougie Imrie and his family have become a symbol of strength and resilience in difficult times. His story about little Remie is not only a testament to parental love and loss but also an example of how important it is to support each other in life's toughest moments. The tragedy made Dougie appreciate moments with loved ones even more and realize the importance of the medical staff who provide help to families in similar situations.