Pink and Blue For Those Gone Too Soon

Jersey's Fort Regent is lit pink and blue this week for babies and children gone too soon.

Baby Loss Awareness Week aims to break the silence over baby loss, and support bereaved families.

Parents who have suffered the loss of their baby are encouraged to start conversations about how they feel, and seek support if they need it.

The 20th BLAW is supported by Philip's Footprints, which is a baby loss and safer pregnancy charity here in Jersey.

“We hope turning Fort Regent pink and blue will spark conversations about baby loss and give local bereaved parents and families an opportunity to talk about their precious babies and feel less isolated and alone in their grief. Whilst baby loss awareness week is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness, it is just that – one week. We hope those around a bereaved parent will be mindful that, for them, it’s not just a week it’s every day." - Founder, Jo Nash.

Wearing my pretty #babylossawarenessmonth ribbon this morning. Thinking of my darling Lennie and all those who also walk in the shoes I wear. Xxx ⁦@SandsUK⁩ ⁦@BLA_Campaign⁩ pic.twitter.com/oJsVFVpxLA

— MrsT (@Misspoppins5) October 6, 2022

Philip's Footprints has organised a 10km Starlight Walk on Saturday (15 October).

It starts at the Waterfront, and people will walk with flashing torches to St. Aubin and back in memory of a baby or child who has died, and to raise awareness and funds for the charity.

Jo says she felt alone and in shock when she lost her son, Philip.

"(We were) ...coming out of maternity with very, very, few memories and it was only in the weeks that followed, when it was too late to do anything else, we realised that we could have done all of these things."

The heart-breaking experience prompted her to set up the charity in her son's name to produce memory boxes for parents who face the same devastation.

It has developed over the years to campaign for safer pregnancies, fund training for health professionals, purchase antenatal equipment and offer 1-2-1 peer bereavement support.

Philip's Footprints is asking islanders to light a candle in remembrance of lost little ones for an hour at 7pm on Saturday as part of a global 'Wave of Light'.

🕯️ Save the Date 🕯️

Join us for the global #WaveOfLight at 7pm, 15 Oct 2022 💙💗

Light a candle for 1 hour along with families all over the world to commemorate our precious babies 💙🧡

Find out more ⬇️

https://t.co/RZbhnlnFkW#BLAW #BLAW2022 #BabyLoss pic.twitter.com/hnczbQ6vRZ

— Sands - baby loss charity 💙🧡 (@SandsUK) October 1, 2022