Pink And Blue For Baby Loss Week

Fort Regent is turning pink and blue this week to raise awareness of baby loss, while islanders are skydiving, head-shaving and starlight-walking for Philip's Footprints.

The annual event allows bereaved parents, families and friends to think about their babies and break the silence and stigma around pregnancy and baby loss.

For many, pregnancy is a time of celebration. However, a quarter of women experience a miscarriage.

Philip's Footprints is a charity in Jersey that aims to help those suffering the loss of a child and offer comfort at a vulnerable time.

The baby and pregnancy loss charity offers one-to-one support, monthly support groups and memory boxes for lost children.

Founder Jo Nash says whilst baby loss awareness week is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness, it is just that – one week.

"We hope those who know a bereaved parent will be mindful that, for them, it is not just a week. It is every day."

To fundraise this week, islanders are embarking on skydivers, head shaves and even pub quizzes.

Daniel Liot is jumping out of an aeroplane to raise £1,000 for the charity this week.

He says through his sobriety journey, he has challenged himself mentally and physically for charity.

"I have supported the wonderful Philip’s Footprints by attempting the UK 3 peaks challenge, starlight walks and now a skydive.

"My brother and I have a message which is 'I’m Glad You Exist,' and IGYE is a positive message for people falling on hard times.

"The more money I raise the more it helps parents who have lost a baby. Philip’s Footprints IGYE."

A pub quiz is also to be held on 11 October at St Lawrence Pub at 6:30 pm to raise money, where Siobhan Bentley, who suffered a miscarriage eight weeks into her pregnancy, will have her head shaved.

She is hoping to raise £1,000 for Philip's Footprints and the Miscarriage Association.

Islanders can also join the annual 10km Starlight Walk on 14 October from the Waterfront to St Aubins and back.

 A previous Starlight Walk

Everyone is welcome to join the walk and will be given flashing lights and a medal for those who complete the challenge, which starts from 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm.

The following day (15 October) will see a global 'Wave of Light'.

People in every country will be lighting a candle at 7:00 pm and will leave it to burn for an hour to join families across the globe, remembering babies who were lost too soon.

The wave of candlelight symbolises the babies who lit up people's lives, for such a short time.