St Albans Cathedral will be lighting up the West End façade in pink and blue to raise awareness of pregnancy and baby loss during Baby Loss Awareness Week, 9 to 15 October.

The annual awareness week, now in its 17th year, is an opportunity for bereaved parents, families and friends, to commemorate babies’ lives and break the silence around pregnancy and baby loss in the UK.

The lighting up of the West End will take place every evening during during Baby Loss Awareness Week.

Abi Thompson, Sub Dean of St Albans Cathedral, said: “For the past few years the Cathedral has lit up at night in pink and blue in support of Baby Loss Awareness week. We hope the lights are a reminder to people who have suffered such a terrible loss that there are friends and supporters all around. Prayers will be said at evensong throughout the week, and anybody who would like to come to the Cathedral to light a candle in memory of a lost child is most warmly welcome. You are also welcome to request a meeting with one of our clergy team for prayer and conversation if this would be helpful.”

Clea Harmer, Chief Executive of Sands (stillbirth and neonatal death charity), said: “Baby Loss Awareness Week is a unique opportunity for parents to commemorate their babies who died, and I hope St Albans Cathedral will help bereaved families in St Albans feel less isolated and alone in their grief.

“Pregnancy loss or the death of a baby is a tragedy that affects thousands of people every year. It is devastating for parents and families and it’s vital they get the bereavement support and care they need, for as long as they need it.”

If you are in need of support during Baby Loss Awareness Week, you are welcome to request a meeting with a member of the clergy for personal prayer and conversation. Please contact Sara Harvey to arrange your meeting: [email protected] / 01727890233.

All are welcome to light a candle in memory of a lost child, and to attend Evensong where prayers will be said in honour of this cause during Baby Loss Awareness Week.