Baby loss remembrance service held at cathedral

A service of remembrance for people affected by baby loss is being held at Bradford Cathedral.

The "Saying Goodbye" service has been organised with the charity the Mariposa Trust, which was set up in 2012 to support anyone who had been affected by the loss of a child during pregnancy, at birth or in infancy.

The event, which is due to start at15:30 GMT, will include music, poetry and acts of remembrance.

It is one of around 28 services organised by the charity taking place at cathedrals, minsters and abbeys across seven countries this year.

The Mariposa Trust was created by Zoe Clark-Coates and her husband, Andy, after they experienced the loss of five babies.

Earlier this month, Mrs Clark-Coates won her nine-year battle for more bereaved parents to be able to apply for certificates which recognise the loss of their baby during pregnancy.

Before this, only those who had experienced a loss since 2018 could apply, but now it is open to all people affected, no matter when their child died.

Mrs Clark-Coates said the services of remembrance were a "beautiful opportunity for mothers, fathers, siblings and extended family to say goodbye to their babies and show they are truly loved".

She said: "Our job at the Mariposa Trust is to ensure every child is recognised, however fleeting their existence."

Mr Clark-Coates added: "We invite anyone who has gone through or been affected by baby loss, whether recently or decades ago, to join us for this special event."

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