Little ones remembrance weekend 2023

Published: 11 December 2023

Two special events were held at the start of December for families who had experienced the loss of a child or a baby during pregnancy. Organised by maternity, chaplaincy and community nursing teams, a craft morning and remembrance service took place.

Many parents, children and other family members attended the craft morning which was held at Torbay Hospital’s Bayview Restaurant. Everyone had a great time making Christmas decorations and a variety of star-themed crafts to take home. Face painting and biscuit decorating were also very popular!

“There was a really positive buzz.” observed chaplain Martin Manley. “It means such a lot for families to be able to remember a little one they have lost in this way, and include them in their Christmas. It was heart-warming to see families who have been through a difficult time able to enjoy themselves making things together.”

The following day, the service was held at All Saints Church, Babbacombe, which provided a more reflective opportunity for people to come together and remember their little one by lighting a candle and writing a message on a star. The stars are then hung on a tree, provided by Torbay and South Devon grounds and garden colleagues, which they collect after the service and is put on display at the hospital chapel. In the new year, the team then plant the tree on the Torbay Hospital site.

Over a hundred parents, grandparents and other relatives attended. A combined church and hospital choir sang “Count the Stars” and parents contributed readings and poems.

As ever, our teams were really grateful for the support of the wider community in putting on this event and for all our colleagues who made this possible. Thank you to Torbay and District Funeral Service for donating roses for mums to take home and Hallet’s Bakery for donating cakes for the tea afterwards.