Special Service for Those Who Have Lost Children

26 April 2005

A special service for parents who have lost babies and children will take place at West Suffolk Hospital on Sunday, May 8.

The service will take place at 3pm in the Chapel at the West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds.

This is the seventh year that the event has been held and the service is open to parents who have lost a child, at whatever age, including miscarriage, stillbirth or termination.

It has been organised by the Hospital Chaplaincy, with the help and support of a multi-disciplinary working group.

Mrs Judith Gilbert, Assistant Chaplain, said: "This is a very popular service because parents come along who have lost not only an unborn child or baby but also children later in life.

"People go on grieving for their children whatever their age and we try to include anyone who feels that the service will be of help to them.

"The service gives people comfort in that they can see that there are others who have lost children and they are not alone. Perhaps because of the day to day pressures of modern life they have not had the opportunity to release withheld emotions. This gives them time to let go and to remember their son or daughter."

With the parents' permission, the names of the children they have lost are read out during the service and the parents and family can write in a Book of Remembrance.

Light refreshments will be served afterwards when there will be an opportunity to talk with members of staff and other parents.  A creche is available.

For further information contact Mrs Judith Gilbert on 01284 713486.