Baby loss group urges people to grieve in own way

Luna's Fund offers support to bereaved parents across Devon and Cornwall

A baby loss charity is urging people that "there is no right or wrong way to deal with grief" at Christmas.

Aimee Green, founder and chief executive officer of Luna's Fund, said Christmas was a difficult time of year.

"Whether this is your first or fifth Christmas without your baby, we are sending you so much love and support."

Ms Green said: "Everyone has different coping methods for grieving, whether that be hibernating or blending in with family."

Ms Green created Luna's Fund, based in Plymouth, after her own experience of baby loss in 2017.

"For me I find keeping active helps and being outdoors, walking on the beach or exercising.

"There is no right or wrong way to deal with grief and I would say that people should follow whatever seems right for them at the time."

She added people "are not alone in their grief".

'Biggest fear'

The charity has created a memorial Christmas tree for families who have experienced baby loss.

Ms Green said the charity aimed to provide a space for remembrance and said she had "daydreamed about the idea for many years".

She said: "My daughter Luna was born under a Christmas tree so it was always poignant for me to have one in the office for the personal comfort, but to involve as many families as possible at the same time, because we are never alone.

"As a loss parent myself, the biggest fear we have is that people will forget our babies and move on.

"We don't often get to write our baby's name as there are few opportunities when they die.

"This is why we love to create opportunities for the public to say and share their names with the world."

The tree is on display at the fund's Plympton office and families can sponsor a decoration in memory.

If you have been affected by this story or would like support then you can find organisations which offer help and information at the BBC Action Line.