Women’s celebrating brief lives

Birmingham Women’s Hospital is inviting people to attend a special ceremony of remembrance on Sunday 13th October. ‘Celebrating Brief Lives’ is a ceremony arranged for people who have lost a baby in pregnancy or soon after birth.

This service, held at St Peters Church in Harborne, will be a time for sharing memories of sadness and joy. Often people are reluctant to talk about what has happened after losing a baby, especially in early pregnancy. The service allows people to meet with others who have been through a similar traumatic experience and talk about their feelings in a caring and non-judgemental environment.

Janice Hughes has been attending the service for a number of years and will be speaking at this year’s ceremony, “I started going after I lost my son Jonathan because I feel closer to him when I’m at the service. It’s almost as if I need to go. It means a lot to hear other people’s stories and know that you are not the only one going through this.”

Bereavement and Spiritual Care Service Manager, Karen Henson explained, “The service is extended to bereaved patients from all of our religious faith communities and to those with no specific faith. It has been an annual event since 1994. Most importantly, it is a time for parents, family and friends to reflect and to share with others in a peaceful and beautiful setting.”

The ceremony will take place on Sunday 13th October at St Peters Church, Old Church Road, Harborne at 12.00noon

For further information, please contact the Bereavement Office at the Women’s Hospital on 0121 623 6882