A FUNERAL director has issued an urgent appeal for donations to help support families who have tragically lost a child. 

Co-op Funeralcare, in Great Tey, is asking crafters to contribute items such as blankets, small toys, and keepsakes for grieving families.

The funeral director offers families the keepsakes to aid in their grief. 

Sarah Drew, the funeral arranger at Coop Funeralcare, said the appeal came during Baby Loss Awareness Month this October. 

She said: "We’ve had a number of little ones brought into our care recently, and we’re running low on the handmade items we offer to families.

"They often have very few keepsakes from their pregnancy, so being able to provide a blanket or tiny teddy can offer comfort at a very difficult time.”

Coop Funeralcare provides free funeral services for children under 18, including those stillborn or lost during early pregnancy.

Handmade items, Sarah says, play a crucial role in giving families something to hold on to, especially for early losses between six and 24 weeks gestation.

The team is specifically asking for:

- Blankets of all sizes, from 2 inches square upwards
- Small soft toys, both 2D and 3D, starting from one inch
- Hearts or flowers, preferably in pairs
- Booties in neonatal and baby sizes

“Sadly, little ones don’t always arrive with comfort items, so we like to provide blankets and toys until the parents can bring their own,” Sarah added.

“These handmade pieces are meaningful, and parents often take home a matching keepsake.”

All types of handmade donations are welcome, including knitted, sewn, or crocheted items. Donors are invited to leave personal messages with their gifts if they wish. 

Donations can be dropped off at Coop Funeralcare Great Tey, Unit 2 Teybrook Centre, Brook Road, CO6 1JE.

Sarah is also offering local collection and can be reached at 01206 211324 or greattey@letsco-operate.com.

The funeral home also has a memorial tree where visitors can leave remembrance tags until Christmas.