Bereaved families came together to reflect and remember loved ones during a series of poignant memory days.
The special services were organised by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and took place at The Treehouse, in Ipswich, The Nook, near Norwich, and at Milton, near Cambridge.
Parents, grandparents and siblings attended and it was the first time the events had been possible for nearly three years, due to Covid restrictions.
At each of the hospices, families had the chance to bring special buttons and contribute to memory button trees.
Children and babies were remembered and there were special services where families shared words and poems.
They also had the chance to light candles in memory of their loved one before everyone gathered for tea and cake.
EACH chaplain Alex South said: “These were very special events for our families and it was good to have everyone together in person again, sharing their feelings and similar shared experiences with others who understand.
“We had some great feedback and families told us how much they appreciated it.
“One described the day as ‘incredible’ and another said it was a relief to be back with others again, saying they looked around and realised they weren’t alone.”
Families were able to take as much time as they needed to light the candles, remembering and talking about their baby, child or young person.
Another highlight was a special storytelling of the book The Memory Tree, by Britta Teckentrup.
Young siblings chose a cuddly toy to hold as they listened either on bean bags or back in their seats with their family.
Music therapist and spiritual care lead Jane Rous-Milligan led the event at The Nook, along with counsellor Amy Brown.
She said: “The feedback was wonderful and afterwards someone described the day as ‘precious’, saying it was wonderful to hear others talk about and remember their son. Another said the photo they shared isn’t shared anywhere else, saying ‘it’s our connection with today and we’re proud to share our son with other families’.
“Someone described our day as a very moving but amazing occasion and another said it was a place to reflect and share with others.”
Milton locality wellbeing and spiritual care lead Michelle Attrill added: “Our button tree was very symbolic and lots of families brought their own, which clearly held special memories.
“Children loved hearing a special story while sitting on beanbags and our marquee looked beautiful, with the candles adding a sense of occasion and reflection.
“Our service concluded with a ‘bubble farewell’ and the sun shone on the thousands of bubbles that rose high in the skies of Milton.
“We aimed to provide a calm and thoughtful event for the families and the feedback on the day was very positive.”
Image Credits – EACH