A baby loss support charity has organised a national service of remembrance to be held at a cathedral.

The Mariposa Trust is holding one of its national ‘Saying Goodbye’ services at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, this Saturday July 9 at 7.30pm.

The services provide an opportunity for anyone affected by baby loss – at any stage of pregnancy, at birth or in infancy – to honour and acknowledge the babies they have lost, whether recent or historic.

Now in their tenth year, the remembrance services have been conducted over 160 times across six countries.

Founder of the Mariposa Trust Andy Clark-Coates said: “Baby loss has for generations been a taboo subject, which has resulted in millions of people being unable to openly grieve and mourn the babies they have lost.

“The services allow people the opportunity to stand with others who have experienced loss, and collectively acknowledge, honour and remember each baby, whether the loss be recent or decades ago.”

Around 258,000 babies will be lost this year in the UK through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal and early years loss.

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Leaving hundreds of thousands of parents, family members and friends grieving, and in need of support.

The Mariposa Trust is a leading baby loss support charity, with over 50,000 people accessing support each week from around the world.

It was founded by Zoe Clark-Coates MBE and her husband Andy, following their personal loss of five babies.

Zoe’s experience and expertise has led her to become a multi-best-selling author on loss and grief, and a trusted expert for BBC Breakfast, and across TV, radio and print media.

In addition, Zoe co-chairs the government’s National Pregnancy Loss review and was awarded an MBE by the Queen in 2021 for her work improving the care of the bereaved.

The charity understands that with the isolation the last two years have brought, it has been even more difficult for anyone suffering baby loss.

Mr Clark-Coates said that the need for Saying Goodbye services has never been greater.

Mrs Clark-Coates said: “During the pandemic, people have had to experience baby loss in isolation, not only when they have had to be in hospital, but also when recovering at home, due to lockdown restrictions.

“The effect of this has been an increase in people reporting PTSD and mental health struggles, which need to be addresses, and the right support offered.”

Mr Clark-Coates explained: “The Mariposa Trust is committed to providing resources, services and support to anyone affected by baby loss, for as long as they need it.”

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1

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