The Mariposa Trust is one of the UK’s leading charities, with its core objective being to support people who have lost babies at any stage of pregnancy, at birth, or in infancy. It was founded in 2012, by Zoe and Andy Clark-Coates, who saw a critical lack of support for people like them, who had gone through baby loss.
We know that as 1 in 4 women suffer miscarriage and baby loss, with over 258,000 babies being lost yearly in the UK alone, most people in our communities will have contact with a significant number of people who have either personally suffered baby loss, or who have a partner or family member that has. The charity realised it needed to be able to offer not only a comprehensive package of befriending and support, but also national baby loss remembrance services (called Saying Goodbye Services), for people to join together and remember the children they had lost. 4 years on over 80 services have taken place at Cathedrals and Minsters across the UK, US and France, and 2017 will see a further 20 take place.
On the 15th July at 3pm in Derby Cathedral, the trust is holding one of its Saying Goodbye services.
So who is the service for?
Anyone who has either personally lost a baby at any stage of pregnancy, at birth or in early years, or who has been affected by a family members or friends loss. Whether the loss was recent or 80 years ago, everyone is welcome to attend. We have also extended the services, and gladly welcome anyone who is grieving the fact that they haven't had children. This may be due to circumstance, infertility or for other reasons - but all are welcome. Babies and children are also invited to come with their family, as the Saying Goodbye service is truly a family event for all.
To read more on the charity, please see the Saying Goodbye website, which you can find at: www.sayinggoodbye.org. On the site you will also be able to see the fantastic set of Ambassadors and Advocates the charity have, including: The Archbishop of York, Lord Robert Winston, Nigella Lawson, Jools Oliver, Kym Marsh, Gabby Logan, J John, Mary Nightingale, Professor Lesley Regan, Julie Etchingham and more.
The team can be contacted by email at office@sayinggoodbye.org if you have any questions.