Special services to mark 20th anniversary of Baby Loss Awareness Week

Healthcare partners and local charities across Coventry and Warwickshire are marking the 20th anniversary of Baby Loss Awareness Week (9-15 October 2022) by hosting a special service at Coventry Cathedral on Sunday 9th October from 2pm.

The service is an opportunity for anyone affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby to come together and remember their lives and honour their memory.

The service will include a personal account from Jessica Weeks, founder of Hannah's House, who sadly lost her daughter Emelia as a baby and has turned that pain into something special, by creating a place of refuge for families who have suffered any kind of baby and pregnancy loss. 

Jessica said: “My desire is to help families know that baby loss is not the end of their story, that hope can be found in the future.”

It will also include a vocal performance from Faith Meades, who, alongside husband Aaron, unexpectedly lost her son, Grayson, at 37 weeks on 12th May 2021.

Faith recently shared the moving story of her pregnancy and birth of daughter Isla May on the BBC series Hospital filmed at University Hospital, Coventry.

Faith said: “I hope these events help make baby loss less of a taboo subject and allow families to feel less isolated. Being able to talk through your loss with someone else can make a big difference, not only for the parents who are grieving but also the people around them.”

Rev Ricarda Witcombe, one of the organisers of the event, said: “This year we are marking 20 years of Baby Loss Awareness Week. A lot has changed over the last two decades. One thing that remains constant is the grief that is felt every time a baby dies, at any stage of gestation or after birth.

“We hope this beautiful and uplifting event will help those who have been affected and help them feel more connected and less alone.

“We want to support families to help to break the silence and talk openly about baby loss and give support to those who need it.”

After the service people are invited to enjoy cake and a cup of tea, or a cold drink, with other families and attendees. There will also be an opportunity to chalk hearts on the floor of the Cathedral Ruins as a symbol of the continuing love and loss that is remembered at this time.

There will also be a service at UHCW in the Faith Centre at University Hospital on Thursday 13^th October at 1.30pm.

The national Baby Loss Awareness Week is led by Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity, in collaboration with more than 40 charities across the UK. Locally, NHS Trusts, groups and charities across Coventry and Warwickshire share information and organise events each year to support local families during this valuable campaign week.

For more information, please visit www.babyloss-awareness.org.  From the start of Baby Loss Awareness Week and throughout, SANDS are also encouraging communities across the UK to turn Pink and Blue as possible to show their individual support.