Wigan shows its support to families who've gone through baby loss

A giant sculpture in Wigan's town centre is being lit up later to mark the end of baby loss awareness week.

It’s after mum of two Lindsay Stanton, from Poolstock, asked the council to do it in memory of her son Zak, and for every other parent who’s lost a child.

They've also paid thanks to their local hospital trust for commemorating Baby Loss Awareness week with a 'Tree of Hope' which has been lighting up blue and pink this week.

Lindsay, 37, said: “I gave birth to our son, Zak, on the 27th October 2015 and we stayed with him in the Pearl Suite.

“He was born at 20+5 weeks and he lived for three hours, dying in his daddy’s arms.

“We had the honour and privilege of being cared for by fantastic midwives who helped us weigh him, dress him, take prints of his hands and feet and also the services of the hospital chaplain who came to bless him.”

Being able to use the Pearl Suite meant the couple could dress Zak in a little knitted outfit that had been donated. It also meant their parents could come and meet him too.

Lindsay added: “As the suite is set up like a bedroom with a double bed, it meant that we could stay together overnight, especially since I’d also had some complications. Zak was born at 6.56pm and we said goodbye to him at 2am.

"The photos we took and the memory box that the hospital provided to us are all we have of him now and are one of our most prized possessions.”

Lindsay and Paul returned to Wigan for Olivia’s birth as they knew they would be in great hands.

Paul said: “It was also important to us for both children to be born in the same location. Our midwife, Gail, was aware of our previous history and was absolutely fantastic from start to finish, managing Olivia’s birth and our anxieties that came with that.

Since Zak passed away, Lindsay and Paul have since raised money for the Trust, to say thank you for the care they received.

The pair are currently running 27 miles in a month as part of the national charity, Aching Arms, ‘Miles in Memory’ campaign; 27 miles in recognition of their son’s birthday.

Sarah Howard, Bereavement Midwife at WWL, said: “Baby Loss Awareness Week is an opportunity for parents, families and professionals to remember babies who died around the time or soon after birth.

“Supporting families across the borough at this difficult time, and in an exceptionally difficult year, in any way we can is a privilege.

“We hope the individuals and organisations across Wigan will join with us both in lighting up in blue and pink for Baby Loss Awareness Week and in the Wave of Light on Thursday.”

The Face of Wigan in the town centre will be lit up pink and blue for an hour at 7pm tonight, as part of the International Wave of light that happens at the end of every Baby Loss Awareness Week.

To join the global 'Wave of Light', simply light a candle at 7pm tonight and leave it burning for at least one hour.

For further information about Baby Loss Awareness Week visit: www.babyloss-awareness.org