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More on KentOnline
A landmark building will be lit up in support of grieving parents.
Tonight, Rochester Cathedral will be bathed in colourful lights to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week.
It is one of many Wave of Light services which allow parents to remember babies who have passed away.
The cathedral will be open from 7pm tonight for people to go in and light a candle in memory of a loved one.
It been organised by Abigail's Footsteps which was founded by David and Jo Ward, of Priestfields, Rochester, in 2010 after their daughter was stillborn the previous year.
The charity supplies cold cots to hospitals so parents who have lost a baby can spend precious time with them.
In 2016, they opened Abigail’s Place, a dedicated bereavement suite at Medway Maritime Hospital.
Another charity which offers support and counselling to grieving parents will be also be holding a special service tonight.
Making Miracles will host a Wave of Light service at their Baby Memorial Garden in Borstal Street, Rochester.
The organisation was set up by Rainham mum Kelly Wells after she had a high-risk pregnancy.
Her daughter Summer was given a 15% chance of survival after being diagnosed with a rare heart condition while in the womb.
Earlier this month, Making Miracles pledged to help people going through a baby loss throughout the month of October by hosting fundraising events.
These included a big knit session at Rochester Cathedral, and a coffee morning at Oak on the Green in Bearsted.
Kelly said: “In the 31 days of October, during Baby Loss Awareness Month, Making Miracles want to support more families than ever before.
“We have set ourselves a target of raising enough money to support 31 bereaved or traumatised families who currently cannot access our support, through lack of funds."
The charity has also backed a report calling on the government to provide more psychological support for families.
The report, entitled Out of Sight, Out of Mind, highlights the need to support individuals through the gaps between policy and funding who are often overlooked.
Women who have experienced stillbirth, miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy are at higher risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression than those who haven’t.
More than 60% of parents who responded to the 2019 Finding Your Way survey, reported keeping their feelings of isolation, depression and suicidal thoughts to themselves.
Other monuments in the county have also be lit up to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week, which began on Wednesday, October 6 and concludes tonight.
These include the clock towers in Gravesend and Herne Bay, and Whilstable Castle.
