We’re supporting Baby Loss Awareness Week, which takes place between 9 and 15 October
There are many people whose lives have been touched by the loss of a baby before or just after birth. It is heart-breaking to deal with such a loss. Meningitis is, of course, just one of the many sad causes of baby loss.
Throughout the week bereaved parents, family members and friends can commemorate the all-too-brief lives of their babies, knowing that thousands of other families elsewhere in the world will be doing the same. The week also provides a crucial opportunity for people to talk openly about the subject of and raise awareness of baby loss.
Wave of light
On 15 October, recognised as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day across the world, there will be a global ‘wave of light’ event, that people across the UK are invited to take part in to remember all the babies who have died during pregnancy, at, during or after birth. Simply light a candle at 7pm and leave it burning for at least one hour. This can be done individually or in a group, at home or in a communal space.
Wherever you do this you will be uniting with others across the world in honour of those babies who lit up our lives for such a short time.
In the UK the week is led by Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity.
“We hope the week will help families feel less isolated and alone in their heartache."
“When your baby dies, it is a cruel and devastating loss. Often there has been little time to get to know your child, to create cherished memories, to have anything to look back on as good times: times and memories that could give some comfort. It is total emptiness when a baby dies, filled only by unbearable pain and longing."
Everyone is affected
“And for each one of those babies, there are so many shattered lives; the parents, the siblings, the grandparents, the aunts, uncles, cousins, the friends, all those who were there to help through pregnancy and birth. Everyone is affected. The sense of loss and grief ripples outwards."
“We want to remember all these precious and wonderful babies, and all the people who love them and miss them so much, and will love and miss them for ever.”
Carolyn Bray, Fundraising Manager
At Meningitis Now our support team is around for you during the week, as it is each week of the year. You don’t need to face meningitis alone. Whatever your experience, we are here for you. Our free support services can help provide you with vital support when it is needed most of all, throughout the UK.
Our Founder, Steve Dayman, who lost his young son Spencer to meningitis in 1982 is also available anytime on the phone and can visit you at home. Call Steve on 07903 412144 or email him
If you’d like to talk to someone please do get in touch with our helpline on 0808 80 10 388 or email helpline@meningitisnow.org.
