WINSFORD Town Council has lit up the Brunner Guildhall and Winsford Town Park to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week.

Following contact from resident Steph Banks, whose daughter lost her baby at 22 weeks, the council decided to show its support for the campaign, which aims to bring people together to share their experiences of the heartbreak of baby loss.

Mayor of Winsford cllr Nathan Pardoe said: "Thanks to Steph Banks for writing in to Winsford Town Council, suggesting we recognise Baby Loss Awareness Week.

"To show Winsford families they are not alone, our Brunner Guildhall is lit up in pink and blue this week, together with the Salt Stacks in Winsford Town Park."

Steph Banks, who first put the idea forward, added: "Firstly I would like to thank Nathan, Mark and Sarah from Winsford Town Council for making this happen.

"As many of you will have seen, Rachel Saunders, who herself has been affected by the loss of a child, posted a picture of the Guildhall lit up in blue and pink.

"In less than 24 hours, the post had more than 150 comments showing support, sending condolences or other people sharing their own experience of baby loss - our town has yet again pulled together. 

"In 2018 our daughter found out she was expecting our first grandchild, this was an exciting time for us all as a family.

"In January 2019 our daughter went in to labour early at 22 weeks due to an infection, and sadly she lost the baby.

"Our daughter and son-in-law hadn’t decided on any names so our grandson was named Bumpy, as this is what we all referred to him as.

"The support we all received from Leighton Hospital bereavement suite at this very sad and difficult time was outstanding and we can’t thank them enough.

"One of the most important things for us as a family is to raise awareness of baby loss, and to let bereaved parents and family know that they are not alone.

"We are very open and talk about Bumpy often, I personally find talking about him comforting.

"We all think about Bumpy daily and every year on his birthday, and for Baby Loss Awareness Week, we lit a candle in remembrance of him.

"Bumpy now has a sibling Delilah who will be raised knowing exactly who Bumpy is.

"Myself and Bumpy’s grandad have our own little memory corner in our garden for him." 

Visit babyloss-awareness.org.