A particularly poignant milestone was reached as Philip’s Footprints prepared for Baby Loss Awareness Week, 9th – 15th October.
The baby loss and safer pregnancy charity has now donated over 500 memory boxes to bereaved families in Jersey. These memory boxes are given to families experiencing the loss of a child, from the very earliest of losses, through pregnancy, infancy and child loss up to age 18. The charity are also introducing wooden
engraved memory boxes for later losses.
Containing carefully chosen memory making items and keepsakes such as tiny teddies and candles, as well as support information, the memory boxes help families create memories during the precious time they have with their baby or child. For early losses where it can be difficult to create tangible memories, it is that recognition that, no matter how small, their baby mattered.
Mrs Jo Nash, Founder of Philip’s Footprints said: “Whilst we are proud of our achievement, there is a sadness in reaching 500 memory boxes. Each box represents a life not lived, a family that may be changed forever. But we hope that parents knew they were not alone, their child will always be remembered and their memory box gave some degree of comfort not just at the time of loss, but even many years down the line.”
Philip’s Footprints was founded in 2008 by Jo and Paul Nash after the tragic stillbirth of their second son, Philip. What began as a way to offer comfort to other grieving parents has grown into a charity supporting both bereaved families and promoting safer pregnancies for over 600 babies born in the island each year.
As well as supporting families in the depths of grief, Philip’s Footprints expanded its objectives nearly 10 years ago with a simple wish that became the start of something impactful – their ‘Safer Pregnancy Projects’. Created to promote safer pregnancies in Jersey with the thought that many bereaved parents have: “We just don’t want others to go through what we did.”
The Fort Regent dome and Elizabeth Castle join landmarks across the UK that will be illuminated in pink and blue to show Jersey’s support for Baby Loss Awareness Week, 9th to 15th October. It provides an opportunity for bereaved parents, families and friends, to commemorate babies’ lives and break the silence around pregnancy and baby loss. With 1 in 4 pregnancies ending in loss, over 100 charities will be talking about baby loss across social media and mainstream media, raising awareness and helping start conversations.
Mrs Nash stated: “We hope this 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 who know a bereaved parent will be mindful that, for them, it’s not just a week it’s every day.”
Philip’s Footprints holds its 10th Starlight Walk on Saturday 11th October. More information can be found here.
