The week will see memorial events, the lighting up of hospital sites and awareness stalls as the community comes together to remember and honour all babies who have tragically passed away.
Rhian Morris, Specialist Bereavement Midwife at DBTH, said: “Baby Loss Awareness Week is an important time for families, friends, and colleagues to come together to remember the babies we have lost and to support those who are grieving.
“The Trust is proud to continue raising awareness and offering spaces like the Serenity Suite, where families can have the privacy and care they need during such a heart-breaking time.”
The Serenity Suite formed part of the ‘Serenity Appeal’ – a fundraising campaign hosted by Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity, to raise £150,000 to bolster maternity bereavement services at the Trust.
During the week, two of the Trust’s hospital buildings—Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Bassetlaw Hospital —will be illuminated in pink and blue, the official colours of Baby Loss Awareness Week.
In support of the Trust, Conisbrough Castle will also be lit up during the week.*
This symbolic gesture serves as a visual tribute to those affected by baby loss and aims to bring attention to the need for more support and understanding surrounding this deeply emotional issue.
Two special memorial events will also be held to give families and staff an opportunity to remember babies gone too soon.
The first event will take place on Wednesday 9 October at 7pm in the Bassetlaw Hospital Chapel, followed by a second memorial on Sunday 13 October at 2pm in the Butterfly Garden at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.
Both events are open to anyone wishing to attend and will provide a space for reflection, remembrance, and mutual support.
In addition to the lighting and memorials, there will be a number of awareness stalls held across Doncaster:
- Wednesday 9 October at Morrisons in Retford from 10.00 – 17.00.
- Friday 11 October at Lakeside Village from 10.00 – 16.00.
The stalls will offer resources, information, and support for anyone seeking help or guidance on baby loss and bereavement care.
The Trust’s specialist bereavement team works closely with families to ensure that they are cared for with sensitivity and dignity throughout their journey.
For more information about our maternity bereavement care, please visit our Trust website: https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/services/maternity/pregnancyloss/
For more information about our memorial services, please contact bereavement midwives, Rhian Morris, or Kirsty Barker, on 07825 063432.
*English Heritage would like to remind any attendees that the grounds themselves will not be lit, therefore extra care and caution should be taken.
