After losing their baby in a Kalgoorlie hospital, a WA couple is now fundraising to pay for the eight-hour journey to Perth to give birth to their second child — with the pair determined to escape the regional system that failed them before.

In late June, the Sunday Times exclusively revealed that eight-month-old Willow Katarina died last September in Kalgoorlie Regional Hospital after “care management problems” occurred at the Goldfields facility.

There was a chance the little girl could still be here with her parents Kaydence Sutherland and William Horne had the proper review procedures been followed and her situation escalated sooner.

PerthNow does not suggest any doctors or medical staff at the regional hospital are guilty of medical negligence or malpractice, only that an incident investigation report into Willow’s treatment has been completed.

The couple’s heartbreaking tale made headlines across WA, with Premier Roger Cook reiterating the Government’s support for an inquiry into the girl’s death.

Almost a year on from their beloved daughter’s passing, the Kalgoorlie couple are now expecting their second child — which they hope to deliver in Perth’s largest maternity hospital.

Kaydence’s mum Trina Sutherland launched a fundraising page on Monday night to help cover the associated expenses that come with the regional couple travelling 600km to the city for the delivery.

Trina said that while Kaydence initially considered giving birth in Kalgoorlie, the recent news coverage of her daughter’s loss has made her “feelings change dramatically”.

“The reports have brought back so much of the trauma and grief she has been carrying,” the mum wrote.

“They have also left her struggling with trust and confidence in returning to the same hospital to give birth — what she once felt she could cope with now feels overwhelming and frightening.

“As her mum, I cannot stand by and watch my daughter face something so deeply traumatic when there is another option available.”

The family hopes to have their second baby at King Edward Memorial Hospital, where “they can feel safer, supported and more comfortable during what should be such a precious time”.

With the expecting couple set to have face-to-face appointments with medical staff starting at the end of August, the family has said there is “very little time” to arrange everything.

On top of the last-minute struggle, the parents also face considerable expenses for staying in Perth for an extended period throughout Kaydence’s pregnancy.

Trina said her daughter deserved the chance to have a comfortable and supportive birth after the death of Willow.

“As her mum, my greatest wish is to see Kaydence walk into this next chapter with hope rather than fear,” she said.

“After everything she has endured, she deserves the chance to welcome her baby into the world in an environment where she feels safe, supported and cared for.

“We are simply a family trying to support our daughter and son in law through something no parents should ever have to endure, while giving them the chance to welcome their precious baby with love, hope and as much peace of mind as possible.”

The couple’s GoFundMe page can be found here.