Support for those who've lost a baby

14 May 2010, 06:00 | Updated: 13 September 2017, 18:36

On average, 17 babies a day die in the UK either before, during or soon after birth.

Swindon Sands is part of a National support charity that helps those going through the ordeal.

It was set up by Swindon mum Cathy Milburn who lost her baby boy Adam 3 years ago:

'I found myself being surrounded by family and friends who were very supportive, but they really didn't understand what it was like to have to deliver a baby at 31 weeks and to have to say goodbye and bury him.'

The group is currently supporting between 30 and 40 people, but fear there are many more out there who are suffering in silence.

Swindon Sands offer one to one support, a telephone support system, email & website and meetings. As an immediate support they provide ‘Memory Boxes’ at the Great Western Hospital. The boxes help families to create memories in the short time that they have before having to say goodbye to their little one. The memory boxes have been a great success at the hospital. They're now in the process of putting together smaller 'mini memory boxes' for those who lose a baby from 14 to 20 weeks in pregnancy.

The boxes contain a mini hand knitted keepsake blanket, angel pockets, 2 teddies, handmade card, poem, certificate commemorating/acknowledging the baby and support leaflets. But they're in need of more knitters to get involved.

They're also organising a Masquerade Ball on 28th August to help raise funds. They're after donations / raffle prizes / sponsorship help.