We’re creating Christmas memorial trees to support parents grieving the loss of a baby
Memorial Christmas trees have been placed in Fleetwood and Poulton cemeteries to support bereaved families, offering a space for reflection and remembrance throughout the festive season.
Bereaved parents in Wyre are being offered a place of comfort and remembrance this festive season through the installation of special memorial Christmas trees.
The trees, which have been set up within the Baby Gardens of Remembrance at both Fleetwood and Poulton cemeteries are intended to provide a gentle source of support for families coping with the loss of a baby.
The trees will remain in place until Friday 9 January next year, giving families the opportunity to visit throughout Christmas and into the new year.
Each tree already carries a star placed by the local bereavement services team - one for every child being remembered.
Relatives are warmly invited to visit and add their own decorations, messages or small mementos as a personal tribute.
The initiative has been made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of J P Dell Funeral Directors and J T Byrne Funeral Directors, whose support has allowed the trees to be installed and maintained for the duration of the festive season.
Alongside the memorial trees, families are also being invited to come together at the 28th Annual Memorial Service, organised by Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
The service will take place at the Winter Gardens on Sunday November 30 at 3pm, offering a space of reflection, music and collective remembrance.
The event is open to all families who have experienced the loss of a baby at any stage of pregnancy or infancy, regardless of how much time has passed.
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said the trees and the annual service are important ways to acknowledge grief, create a sense of community and ensure that families do not feel alone during what can be an especially difficult time of year.
A spokesperson from Wyre Council said on Facebook: This event is a service of reflection and music for all families who have experienced the loss of a baby, at any stage of pregnancy, no matter how long ago.
“The bereavement services team have placed a star on the trees for each child and families are warmly invited to add their own decorations as a personal tribute.”
The Trust added that anyone affected by baby loss is welcome to visit the Baby Gardens, attend the service or simply take a moment of quiet reflection.