As comedian and his wife set up a charity in his memory

Russell Howard has revealed that his and his wife Cerys’s son, Felix, died just hours after being born.

It happened several months ago, but the comedian and his wife, a doctor, had chosen to grieve in private until now.

The family have now set up a charity to help those affected by miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth or neonatal death.

Posting on social media, the 46-year-old comedian wrote: ‘ Earlier this year, our family changed forever when our beautiful baby boy, Felix, died shortly after birth.

‘During the most devastating time of our lives, the hospital staff who cared for us showed extraordinary compassion, kindness and humanity. They helped us navigate an unimaginable heartache and gave us support when we needed it most.’

‘We were assigned a bereavement midwife, Lauren, who had experienced a similar tragedy. After losing her own baby, Lauren retrained as a midwife so that she could help other families going through what she had been through. Her care meant more to us than we can ever put into words.

‘During our time in hospital, Felix was placed in a cool cot, which meant that my wife and I were able to spend precious hours with our beautiful boy. We could hold him, talk to him and tell him just how much we loved him. Those hours are among the most precious memories we have of Felix.

‘We were overwhelmed by the care we received, and we made a promise to each other: that we would try to help other families who find themselves facing the same devastating circumstances.

And so, in Felix's memory, we are establishing The Felix Foundation.’

Howard is hosting a charity event to raise funds for the foundation at the O2 Arena in London on February 8, featuring Jimmy Carr, Greg Davies, John Bishop, Michael McIntyre, Aisling Bea, Michelle Wolfe,  Guz Khan and Mo Gilligan.

‘Every single one of these incredible performers is giving their time completely free of charge,’ Howard said. ‘I will never forget their generosity.'

And he added of Felix: ‘We miss him dearly, every single day, but we take some comfort in knowing that his name will stand for kindness, compassion and laughter, and that his legacy may help other families through the darkest moments of their lives.’

Tickets for the O2 show go on pre-sale at 9am next Wednesday and general sale at 10am next Friday.

Howard and Cerys, an NHS geriatric doctor, share another son, who was born in May 2024.

More information about The Felix Foundation and the fundraiser is available here.

Published: 4 Sep 2026