A MOTHER from Earls Colne will be offering grieving parents the opportunity to come together in solidarity and a show of support - as a way of marking a national awareness week.
Cherry Mckean MBE is raising recognition around Baby Loss Awareness Week which runs from October 9 to 15.
Throughout this period, Cherry is organising for blue, pink and white ribbons with names of babies to be added to the railings of St Andrews Church, in Church Hill, Earls Colne.
Speaking about her efforts to coordinate the touching display, Cherry explained that baby loss is a daily occurrence.
She is hoping by raising awareness, it will help bereaved families talk about their losses.
Cherry said: “The loss of a baby or pregnancy is heart-breaking, and this is happening to families across the UK everyday.
“During Baby Loss Awareness Week, I wanted to create a special display to remember all the babies lost, whether recently or long ago and also to remember my son on what would have been his 18th birthday.
“I hope the display raises awareness and breaks the silence surrounding baby and pregnancy loss. It is impacting so many people in our community. I hope it starts conversations.
She continued: "All money raised from the display will go to Sands, so they can continue to support families and reduce baby deaths, by investing in research and championing better maternity care.”
Sands, a charity dedicated to saving the lives of babies and supporting bereaved families, helps lead the awareness event as part of the baby loss awareness week alliance.
According to the charity, every day 13 babies are stillborn or die shortly after birth in the UK. The organisation’s vision is to ensure “a world where fewer babies die and when a baby does die, anyone affected receives the best possible care and support for as long as it is needed.
If you would like to display a ribbon for free at the church, you can do so by contacting Cherry directly.
Alternatively, ribbons will be available at Ecolnes Refillery store, in High Street, Earls Colne. For a dedication, you can visit the Earls Colne Ribbon Display For Sands Facebook page by clicking tinyurl.com/pw4vkamc.
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