Special memorial to open
Published
Wednesday 11 December, 2024
Updated
Wednesday 11 December, 2024
A very special memorial will be opening in Sittingbourne at a launch event this week.
Swale Borough Council worked with the East Kent Baby Memorial Garden Charity to install a baby memorial board in King George's Playing Field, where residents touched by pregnancy and baby loss can have a place to remember them.
The board was provided by the charity and displays personalised terracotta tiles, featuring a name and significant date, in a beautiful garden.
People who have already ordered a tile have been invited to attend the council’s ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday 13 December at 11am, along with anyone from the public who would like to show support for this initiative.
The charity, which hosts events, spreads awareness and offers support to families, currently have over 500 baby names recorded across their locations in Ashford, Faversham and Canterbury.
The tiles for the new Sittingbourne memorial board can be ordered for £40, from the charities’ website. The money raised supports the charity’s important work.
Cllr Sarah Stephen, Woodstock ward councillor, said:
“This special project has been very close to my heart, having worked as a Community Midwife locally, and later in London specialising in early pregnancy loss, I have sadly seen first-hand the emotional devastation that losing a baby has on families.
“We feel incredibly proud to have been able to create this special memorial garden working with this wonderful charity.
“It will be a very special place for the families touched by the sadness of losing a baby to visit, and remember their little ones and know that they are not alone in their grief.”
Cllr Richard Palmer, chair of the Community and Leisure Committee said:
“I would like to thank the charity for their work, and help, to bring something so special to Swale - it is a small but meaningful way for us to show our support for those dealing with baby loss.
“The fee helps the charity continue operating and enables the creation of more memorials like this one, so get in touch with them to help remember your special baby with one of these name tiles, or if you need support.”
Chris Twydell, Volunteer Treasurer for East Kent Baby Memorial Garden charity, said:
“We are delighted that our plans have come to fruition and are so grateful to Swale Council and Cllr Sarah Stephen in particular for their help and support.
“Sadly, baby loss is something that affects so many people, and having this lovely new area is one way of helping local families, by providing somewhere special for their very special babies.
“The tiles we offer are available to anyone to remember any baby that has passed away in any circumstances and at any time.”
For more information, support and self-care advice visit: Support for you – Baby Loss Awareness Week.
