Bereaved families invited to candlelit service to remember their babies

With the festive season nearly upon us, Sands (Stillbirth and neonatal death charity) is organising a series of remembrance services across the UK for bereaved parents and their families to remember their babies who have died.

‘Lights of Love’ is a non-denominational, family friendly evening of traditional carols, inspirational readings and beautiful musical performances. The London service will take place at St Paul’s Parish Church, 32a Wilton Place, Knightsbridge London SW1X 8SH on Friday 8 December at 7.30pm.

Dr Clea Harmer, Chief Executive of Sands, said: “During the festive season, with so much emphasis on children and families sharing happy times together, the feelings of grief can often seem overwhelming. The welcoming atmosphere of St Paul’s Parish Church provides the perfect setting for a candlelit service and an opportunity for peace and reflection to remember babies and loved ones who are no longer with us.”

Bereaved parents will have the opportunity to light a candle and hang a special message on the ‘Lights of Love’ tree, in memory of their son or daughter.

The ‘Lights of Love’ service is free to attend and no ticket or advance booking is required. It is open to all religious beliefs and is a family event where children are welcomed.

Sadly thousands of babies die each year in the UK. Fifteen babies die before, during or shortly after birth every day, shattering the lives of expectant parents, their families and friends, and the people who cared for them.

For further information call Erica Stewart on 020 3897 3469 or email: erica.stewart@sands.org.uk Visit: www.sands.org.uk/support-you/remembering-your-baby/lights-love

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Notes to editors

For further information, please contact Lee Armitt, Press and PR Officer on 020 3897 3449/07587 925411 or media@sands.org.uk

Lights of Love services will take place across the UK on 8th December in: Stirling, Durham. Enniskillen, Exeter, Cardiff, Portadown, Epsom, Huddersfield, Swindon, South West London, Nottingham, Guernsey and Aldershot.

Picture – A Lights of Love candle.

About Sands

Sands is the leading stillbirth and neonatal death charity in the UK. They work nationally to reduce baby deaths through promoting better maternity care and funding research. They have a programme of training and a wide range of resources designed to support professionals to improve the bereavement care they provide following the death of a baby, and they provide a comprehensive bereavement support service both nationally through their helpline and locally through around 100 regional support groups based across the UK.

Further information can be found at www.sands.org.uk