'Tree of life' sculpture pays tribute to babies

The special new art installation is offering grieving parents a poignant way to remember their children

Parents who have lost babies either during or after pregnancy are to light candles at the opening of a special art installation to commemorate their loss.

Families have been invited to add their babies' names to the Tree of Life sculpture in the grounds of the Lancashire Women and Newborn Centre at Burnley General Hospital.

The 13ft (4m) tall blossom tree sculpture was installed by the Friends of Serenity charity and will be unveiled in a ceremony later.

It will mark the end of international Baby Loss Awareness Week.

More than 130 blossom flowers and leaves with babies' names were added to the tree ahead of the ceremony.

Friends of Serenity, which was founded by mother Joanne Edwards 11 years ago after she lost her son Luke, said families could donate towards a personalised leaf.

The charity is also running a "pay it forward" scheme for anyone unable to afford one.

The installation was designed by Ramsbottom-based sculptor Ruth Moilliet.

Bereaved father Simon Jordan said the installation would be a place to reflect

Charity trustee Emily Norbury said: "We wanted a place for families to come and remember.

"Initially the tree was not going to have baby names but, as trustees, we felt it was important for families who lose a baby to have the names on the tree."

Simon Jordan, who lost his son Oliver 12 years ago, echoed the sentiment.

"This is a symbol of hope a place to reflect," he said. "It is beautiful, although in reality you wish the name wasn't on there.

"It is a safe space."