People in Richmond saw John Blenkiron and Son’s Funeral Directors lit up in pink and blue illuminations to show its support for Baby Loss Awareness Week 2022 (9th to 15th October).
Baby Loss Awareness Week, now in its 20th year, is an opportunity for everyone in the baby loss community and beyond to come together to remember and commemorate our much-loved and missed babies.
The week provided an opportunity to raise awareness of the impact of pregnancy and baby loss; the importance that bereavement support plays in the ongoing bereavement journey; and of the vital work that is needed to improve pregnancy outcomes and to save babies’ lives.
Rebekah Taylor, Funeral Director, said: “We hope turning our beautiful funeral home pink and blue will spark conversations about baby loss and give local bereaved parents and families an opportunity to talk about their precious babies. After my own daughter died in 2018 from complications following her birth, this charity and cause have become very dear to my heart. We have cared for many bereaved parents who have lost their child or baby. This is a way for us to show them support and let them know we think of them often.’
This year Baby Loss Awareness Week will be exploring the theme of Stepping Stones and how someone whose baby has died finds themselves on a new path they never expected to be on.
Clea Harmer, Chief Executive of Sands and Chair of the Baby Loss Awareness Alliance, said: “Following their loss, families find themselves on a new path they never expected to be on. This year, Baby Loss Awareness Week focuses on the steps along that journey, and how they are different for everyone. Some steps along the journey can feel harder than others, but there is always a hand to support anyone when they feel unsteady.
“I hope that John Blenkiron and Sons being lit up pink and blue during October will help reassure anyone who finds themselves on this journey, whether recently bereaved or longer ago, that there is a community that exists to help with whatever is needed: advice, support or simply someone to listen and walk by their side.”
All of the buildings and landmarks turning pink and blue for Baby Loss Awareness Week 2022 will be featured on the interactive map andon the official Baby Loss Awareness Facebook page.
Anyone in Richmond can share their photos of John Blenkiron and Sons on social media and include the hashtag #BLAW to reach as many people as possible.
Baby Loss Awareness Week is recognised across the world and culminated with the “Wave of Light” on 15 October.. Visit www.babyloss-awareness.org to find out how you can get involved.
