A memorial service for bereaved parents is to be held on 24th June 2012 at 11:30am in the Wenallt Chapel at Thornhill Crematorium.
The Babies Remembrance Service, arranged by Cardiff Council Bereavement Services and supported by the Stillbirth and Neonatal Deaths Society (Sands), allows those who have lost a baby as well as their families and friends to come together to remember them.
Councillor Ashley Govier, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Cardiff Council is glad to be able to offer families the opportunity to acknowledge their babies in a simple remembrance service in the Wenallt Chapel and to meet with other bereaved parents. We know how much it means to the parents to have the life of their baby recognised, however brief that life was and this event provides love and support to all those affected in this way.”
The service will be led by members of the University Hospital of Wales Chaplaincy Team. Trevor Williams, Chaplain at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: “I feel very privileged to take part in this Special Baby Memorial Service each year. One of the most traumatic things that can ever happen to parents and their families is the loss of a baby. A time of expectant joy, is sadly turned into sorrow and your world is suddenly turned upside down. Working in partnership with Cardiff SANDS and Cardiff Council Bereavement Services and within the wider community gives grieving parents the opportunity to remember their babies and I am honoured I can contribute to their day.”
Members of the Cardiff Branch of Sands will be available at the service. The group provides confidential advice and support to family members who have been affected by the death of an infant, including parents who have lost a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, neo-natal death or cot death.
During the service a memory card can be written. There will also be an opportunity for those attending to place a memory pebble in the memory bowl in the Ilex Garden.
Following the service, the new baby burial section and memorial at Thornhill will be dedicated by the chaplaincy team. Those attending the service are invited to attend.
Refreshments will be available at the end of the service.
For further information, please contact a member of Bereavement Services’ staff at Thornhill Crematorium on 029 2054 4820.
