THE ROYAL Berkshire Hospital will be lit up in pink and blue on the evening of October 15, in recognition of Baby Loss Awareness Week.
Together with the hospital’s maternity bereavement team, the Willows Support Group has arranged the display to give people in the baby loss community and beyond the opportunity to come together and remember much-loved and missed babies.
Baby Loss Awareness Week, which runs from October 9-15, is now in its 21st year and also highlights the impact baby loss can have on people, the importance that bereavement support plays, and the vital work that is needed to improve pregnancy outcomes to save babies’ lives.
A spokesperson for the Willows Support Group said: “We hope that lighting up the hospital will spark conversations about baby loss and give local bereaved parents and families an opportunity to talk about their precious babies.”
Clea Harmer, Chief Executive of Sands and Chair of the Baby Loss Awareness Alliance, said: “Last year, Baby Loss Awareness Week explored the steps that people take along their grief journey, and communities really engaged and resonated with that.
“It gave people the opportunity to explore their own experiences, learn from others and base their Baby Loss Awareness Week activities around that.”
“This year, we are exploring that theme again and we hope that, together, we can reassure anyone who finds themselves on their own grief journey, and we hope that events such as illuminating national landmarks and buildings can show that there are communities out there that exist to help, whatever step of your journey you are on.”
Those who attend the display and wish to share photos on social media are encouraged to use the hashtag #BLAW to reach as many people as possible.
Recognised across the world, the week culminates with the Wave of Light on October 15, people light a candle at 7pm, wherever they are in the world, leaving it burning to remember all babies that have died too soon.
The London Road entrance of the hospital will be lit from approximately 6pm-10pm.
For more information, visit: www.babyloss-awareness.org
