A bereavement midwife from Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust has been recognised at a prestigious national awards ceremony celebrating outstanding care for families affected by pregnancy loss or the death of their baby.
Fay Martin attended the Sands Baby Loss Awards at Westminster on 08 September alongside seven other midwives and health professionals from across the country, after they were shortlisted for the Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care 2026.
The award recognises healthcare professionals who provide exceptional support to bereaved families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Helen Wilson, a midwife at The Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, was named the winner of the event at the ceremony, where Fay was presented with her finalist award by Clea Harmer, Sands’ Chief Executive and Andy MacNae, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Baby Loss.
Fay was nominated by bereaved mother Rachel, who wanted to recognise the compassion, kindness and support Fay provided during and after the loss of her twins.
A particularly poignant moment came when Rachel’s twins, were named during the reading of the nomination, which Fay described this as an incredibly moving tribute that helped ensure their memory was honoured and remembered.
Fay said: “I feel incredibly humbled and overwhelmed to have received this recognition. What means the most to me is that, while dealing with the loss of their twins, Rachel took the time to nominate me. Their kindness and generosity in doing that is something I will never forget.
“Building a trusting relationship with families at such a deeply difficult time is a privilege and it is an honour that I never take for granted.
“To know that the care I provided made a difference when it was needed most is very special. It was a huge honour to be shortlisted and invited to Westminster. I am grateful to the family for their trust and for sharing their experience.”
Nicola McMinn, Chief Nurse at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are incredibly proud of Fay and this well-deserved national recognition. Bereavement midwives provide compassionate, specialist care to families at some of the most heartbreaking and life-changing moments they will ever experience. The support they offer extends far beyond clinical care, helping families create precious memories, navigate difficult decisions and feel supported through their grief.
“Fay embodies the values of kindness, empathy and personalised care that are so important in bereavement services. The heartfelt nomination she received is a testament to the profound impact she has had on one family during an unimaginably difficult time, and we are privileged to have professionals like Fay within our Trust. We congratulate her on this special achievement.”
Around 45 families in Torbay and South Devon suffer the heartbreak of losing their baby before, during or shortly after birth. Bereavement midwives play a vital role in supporting families through pregnancy loss and baby loss, helping parents navigate complex decisions and emotions while ensuring they receive compassionate, personalised care.
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