A special candlelit walk for bereaved parents is taking place to mark the end of Baby Loss Awareness Week. The poignant gathering is being held at Clare Country Park and has been organised by Natalie Smith, whose baby daughter, Quinn, died in February. She had a severe infection which led to major heart problems and was just nine weeks old.
The ‘Wave of Light Walk’ is open to all parents and family members who have experienced something similar and will get underway at 7pm on Sunday, 15th October. Natalie and husband James will be bringing pink, blue and white LED candles, as well as biodegradable balloons, to release at the end of the walk.
Refreshments will be available and any donations will be put towards organising something similar next year. National Baby Loss Awareness Week (BLAW) runs from 9th to 15th October.
“I’d been reading about BLAW and knew I wanted to do something, to remember all the babies lost too soon,” said Natalie, who lives near Haverhill.
“Since losing Quinn, I’ve wanted to do whatever I can to help support others and sharing our story and meeting other parents really does that. I decided to organise the walk and couldn’t believe the positive response when I started sharing details on Facebook.
“We’ve become part of a group no-one wants to be in, but it’s comforting to know we’re not alone. I want to reach out to other parents to make sure they feel the same and it’s a chance to come together and remember our little ones.
“I believe it’s going to be a lovely way to remember our babies in a beautiful local park and there’s no pressure on anyone to do or say anything. It’s an opportunity to have a quiet walk, reflect, remember and, if they want to, meet and connect with others.”
Anyone interested in taking part can turn up on the night, bringing a torch or headlight. Meet at the ‘muddy boot shed’, just past the café on the left, at 6.45pm.
