FORT Regent’s dome has been lit up in pink and blue to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week as a reminder to bereaved families that they are not alone.
The campaign, which runs until today, aims to honour the memory of babies who have died and raise awareness about the impact of infant loss on families.
To mark the end of the week, Islanders are invited to join the global Wave of Light by lighting a candle at 7pm this evening and leaving it burning for at least one hour.
Charity Philip’s Footprints, which was founded by Jo and Paul Nash in 2008 following the loss of their son, has been at the forefront of the campaign in Jersey.
The organisation, which helps grieving families through a variety of means including one-to-one support and a monthly group, is one of 130 charities working together to raise awareness of baby loss while also improving pregnancy outcomes.
Ms Nash said: “We hope turning Fort Regent pink and blue will spark conversations about baby loss and give local bereaved parents and families an opportunity to talk about their precious babies and feel less isolated and alone in their grief.
“While Baby Loss Awareness Week is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness, it is just that – one week.
“We hope those who know a bereaved parent will be mindful that, for them, it’s not just a week, it’s every day.”
As part of the week, Philip’s Footprints also hosted its annual Starlight Walk at the weekend – a 10km fundraiser from the Waterfront to St Aubin and back.
This year’s walk saw 250 participants raise a record-breaking £7,000, bringing the total raised over the event’s nine-year history to more than £27,000.
