STAFF, patients and families gathered at Tameside Hospital on Wednesday, October 15, to take part in a moving Wave of Light ceremony as part of Baby Loss Awareness Week.
The annual event gives families the chance to honour and remember babies who have sadly died during pregnancy or after birth.
Each year, people across the world light a candle at 7pm and let it burn for an hour, creating a wave of light that moves across the globe as each time zone reaches the hour.
This year’s gathering at Tameside Hospital took place in the baby garden, which was beautifully lit in pink and blue for the occasion.
Local choir Tameside Voices performed throughout the evening, adding to the quiet atmosphere of reflection and remembrance.
Led by the hospital’s Maternity Unit Bereavement Team, the ceremony was the largest the hospital has ever held, with around 50 people attending.
Families were invited to light a candle and, if they wished, write their baby’s name on a ribbon to place in the garden.
Tameside-based charity Finding Rainbows also joined the event, offering information and support for anyone affected by baby loss. The charity was founded by people who have experienced loss themselves, providing a safe and understanding space for others to turn to.
Victoria Wright, from the hospital’s Bereavement Support team, said:
“It was an honour to host this year’s Wave of Light event again at Tameside Hospital.
“We’d like to say a big thank you to Tameside Voices choir for their beautiful singing, Finding Rainbows for their support, and our Maternity and Early Pregnancy teams for being there for families through some of the toughest moments of their lives.
“Most of all, we’d like to thank the parents and families who came to remember their babies. As Baby Loss Awareness Week comes to a close, it’s important that we continue to raise awareness and help break the silence around baby loss.”