Mum hiding ribbons around Ripon to remember all babies lost
Residents have found the blue and pink badges with cards attached to write the names of babies who have passed
Last updated 14th Oct 2021
Blue and pink ribbon badges have been hidden around Ripon to remember all babies lost.
Residents have found the blue and pink badges dotted around with cards attached to write the names of babies who have passed.
Danielle Johnson, who has suffered two miscarriages herself, came up with the idea to encourage more women to speak out about loss.
She's spent this week, which is Baby Loss Awareness Week, hiding the packages with her daughter.
She said: "I had my rainbow baby and we found out we were pregnant with her on what should've been my first baby's due date. I then lost my second baby around the 12 week date.
"Now I feel like we're free to talk about it and share our stories whereas when I lost my babies you didn't see much about it. It's just trying to raise more awareness and to encourage people to say their babies names without feeling like we can't because they're not here."
Danielle was 19 years old when she suffered her first miscarriage and said she found it difficult to talk about.
But she now feels she's created a new community in Ripon after seeing people's responses online.
"I wasn't expecting as many comments and reactions," she added.
"It's nice that people feel free to say their babies names.
"I think it is just being strong enough in yourself when you're ready. I've lost two babies and sometimes I struggle. It's the worst thing and there are just no words.
"I'm just glad that people have been able to share their stories because of this."
This week is Baby Loss Awareness Week (9-15 October) and is now in its 19th year.
It's an opportunity to bring those who've lost a child together as a community and give anyone touched by pregnancy and baby loss a safe and supportive space to share their experiences and feel that they are not alone.
Each year a #WaveOfLight is created to remember all babies lost.
Earlier this week we shared the story of Emma Lofthouse who lost her son Charlie at 35 weeks. She found comfort in creating Our Angels charity which provides a safe space for those in the Harrogate district who are suffering with the loss of a child.