Crematorium hosts special service for Baby Loss Awareness Week

Crematorium hosts special service for Baby Loss Awareness Week

Crematorium hosts special service for Baby Loss Awareness Week

A cemetery and crematorium in Essex are hosting a special service on Saturday 9 October to mark the first day of the national Baby Loss Awareness Week and help commemorate with local people who have suffered pregnancy or baby loss.

Anyone is invited to attend the free event at Parndon Wood Cemetery & Crematorium, which starts at 10.30 am.

But if you can’t get there in person you won’t miss out because the service is also going to be streamed online.

Parndon Wood Cemetery & Crematorium is part of Westerleigh Group, the UK’s largest independent owner and operator of crematoria and cemeteries, with 35 sites in England, Scotland and Wales, all set within beautifully landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide pleasant, peaceful places for people to visit and reflect.

Well-known local celebrant Annabel Sawyer will lead the service and The Rev Tony Mayes, from the Baptist Church in Old Harlow, will also attend and lead prayers.

Dawn Rey, Memorial Advisor at Parndon Wood, said: “The passing of any loved one is always sad but it can be particularly difficult for those who have tragically suffered pregnancy or baby loss.

“We hope this special service will offer some comfort and support to local families.

“If anyone wants to attend, it would be helpful to let us know in advance but the event is free, and people are welcome to come on the day.”

Those unable to attend can join the service by visiting https://watch.obitus.com and putting in the username ceze4486 and password 779233.

Baby Loss Awareness Week takes place every October and gives bereaved parents, their families and friends the opportunity to unite with others to commemorate their babies’ lives as well as give charities and other organisations the chance to raise awareness about pregnancy and baby loss in the UK.

This year’s theme is Wellbeing, including that of health workers, who can only look after bereaved families with the empathy and kindness they need if they themselves are supported.

If you would like to find out more about Baby Loss Awareness Week, visit https://babyloss-awareness.org/.

Parndon Wood Cemetery and Crematorium are also encouraging donations for SANDs – Stillbirth and Neonatal Death charity – via its justgiving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/westerleigh-group-baby-loss