Service to remember the lost little ones

REV JOHN HALL

A service of remembrance will be held at the Royal Oldham Hospital next week for families who have lost a baby.

The service gives families and friends an opportunity to remember all babies who have died in any circumstances.

It will include prayers, poems, hymns and the lighting of candles, and is organised by the hospital chaplains, maternity ward staff, and Oldham SANDS (Stillbirth and neo-natal death society).

The Baby Memorial Service, now in its third year, starts at 7pm on Thursday, September 18, in the hospital chapel in the Chalmers Keddie building.

Rev John Hall, chaplaincy co-ordinator at Pennine Acute Trust, said: “Within society today, stillbirth and neo-natal deaths are certainly still very much sensitive subjects.

“The remembrance service will offer families a chance to come together and remember their babies in a sympathetic and understanding environment.”

Refreshments will be available after the hour-long service.

SANDS offers support for families who have faced stillbirth or neo-natal deaths, and can be contacted on 020 7436 5881 or online at www.uk-sands.org