Parents who have experienced the loss of babies during or after pregnancy are invited to light candles at the opening of a special art installation dedicated to their memory.
Families can add their babies’ names to the Tree of Life sculpture, located at the Lancashire Women and Newborn Centre in Burnley General Hospital.
The sculpture, standing 4 meters (13.1 feet) tall and designed to resemble a blossoming tree, was created by the Friends of Serenity charity and will be unveiled during a ceremony later today. This event coincides with the conclusion of International Baby Loss Awareness Week.
Ahead of the ceremony, more than 130 blossom flowers and leaves, each bearing a baby’s name, have already been attached to the tree.
Friends of Serenity, founded by Joanne Edwards 11 years ago after the loss of her son Luke, invites families to contribute to the cost of a personalized leaf. The charity is also implementing a “pay it forward” scheme for those unable to afford a leaf.
The installation was initially planned for last year. Charity trustee Emily Norbury explained, “We wanted a place for families to come and remember. Initially, the tree was not going to have baby names, but as trustees, we felt it was important for families who lose a baby to have the names on the tree.”
Simon Jordan, who lost his son Oliver 12 years ago, shared his thoughts on the installation. “This is a symbol of hope and a place to reflect,” he said. “It is beautiful, although in reality, you wish the name wasn’t on there. It is a safe space.”
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