Baby loss memorial service held at cathedral

A special service to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week was held at Coventry Cathedral on Sunday

Families affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby gathered at a special service at Coventry Cathedral to light candles in memory of their little ones.

The service, to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week, took place on Sunday, aimed at helping those affected feel more connected and less alone, said its organisers.

"We want to support families to help break the silence and talk openly about baby loss. We want to share the hope that can be found, even in the darkest moments," they said.

The service included a talk by Alicia Burnett, founder of Black Baby Loss Awareness Week, who spoke about her own experiences and the disproportionately high rates of baby loss in black communities.

Marion Pearson said she was working as a teacher in Warwickshire when she underwent fertility treatment, but her son Jacob was stillborn on 29 September 2015 at 29.5 weeks.

She told the BBC that she decided the emotional toll was too great after three unsuccessful rounds of IVF.

Ms Pearson attended last year's service at the cathedral. Seeing there was no organist, she began learning the instrument to play for the service this year.

She said: "Baby loss is a very isolating experience. For people being able to come to and be able to grieve is really important.

"It's a part of the grieving and healing process to be here - and for people to be together at least once a year."

Marion Pearson, who lost her son at 29 and a half weeks in 2015, said the service had been an important part of her healing process

After the service, people were invited to share refreshments and connect with others who understand the impact of baby loss.

Baby Loss Awareness Week, which takes place between 9 and 15 October, is led nationally by Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity.

It will conclude with a global "wave of light" on Wednesday at 19:00 BST, when families around the world will light candles to remember babies who have sadly passed away.