Torbay Hospital’s annual baby remembrance weekend is being held this year on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December and aims to provide all who have experienced the loss of a baby with a way to remember their loved ones.
The remembrance weekend is arranged each year by staff from Torbay Hospital’s maternity unit, A&E and chaplaincy service along with local parents and the Totnes branch of SANDS (Still Birth and Neonatal Death Society), ‘Little Footprints’.
Losing a baby, whether in pregnancy or in the early days or months of life, can affect everyone in the family; parents, grandparents, siblings and the wider extended family. The remembrance weekend aims to provide all who have experienced the loss of a baby with a way to remember their loved ones no matter how long ago they experienced their loss.
Rev. Martin Manley of Torbay Hospital Chaplaincy said: “Christmas is often a time of mixed emotions for families who have experienced the loss of a baby and we know that over the years this event has helped to bring some comfort.
“The theme this year is around ‘finding a way forward’ and will reflect especially on how we can begin to look forward to things again after coming through such a sad experience.”
There will be a craft afternoon in the Bayview Restaurant at the hospital on Saturday 6 December from 2.00pm until 4.00pm, when all ages can be creative and make things to remember as well as having an opportunity to meet other people in a similar situation.
The Service of Remembrance for babies is on Sunday 7 December at 3.00pm in the Hospital Chapel and will include a chance to light a candle, place a star on a tree and have a name or a message read out if they wish. Following the service, there will be tea and mince pies in the Bayview Restaurant.
There is no need to book a place; people can simply turn up to either event.
If anyone would like more details about the baby remembrance weekend they should contact the Chaplaincy on 01803 654186.
