Biggest number of Sands Ribbon Displays ever for Baby Loss Awareness Week
Bereaved parents and families across Scotland remember together all those lives lost too soon.
Article Source: Baby Loss Awareness Week
Last Updated: 7 October 2024 12:44
Sands, the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity, has counted the most Ribbon Displays ever created across the country by the charity’s dedicated volunteers and supporters.
Parents and families affected by pregnancy and baby loss have joined together to create a grand total of 190 of the beautiful pink and blue Ribbon Displays across the UK as part of Baby Loss Awareness Week 2024 (9-15 October).
Each public display includes handmade ribbons, many with the names of the much-loved and missed babies written on them. From paper displays in shop windows to ribbons hung from trees, there are so many ways that people have found to interpret a Sands Ribbon Display for Baby Loss Awareness Week.
Sands has created an online map to help people find a display in their area. People can also dedicate a ribbon on Sands' virtual Ribbon Remembrance tree.
Melissa Lindsay of Orkney Sands is organising a ribbon display at St Magnus Cathedral, South Ronaldsay. She said: “A ribbon display is a visual, public display marking the loss of pregnancy at any stage, including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth and death of a baby. By tying a ribbon to the display we remember these babies.
“We have arranged to have the St Magnus Cathedral lit up in blue and pink for the week and will use the railings at the front of the cathedral for our ribbon display. We feel that by seeing these ribbons it will spark an interest from passers-by and hopefully raise awareness. People can then add their own ribbon in memory of, perhaps their own personal loss, or to remember a family member, friend or colleague’s loss. There is such a ripple effect of baby loss and it is so important that we acknowledge this.
“We plan to hold a service at the end of Baby Loss Awareness Week where we will light our candles at 7pm then have the option of walking together to the cathedral to add ribbons and remember these baby’s gone too soon.”
Displays are also planned in Aberdeen, Dunfermline, Musselburgh, Kirkmuirhill and many other places across Scotland.
Half of UK adults have said that they, or someone they know, had experienced at least one form of pregnancy or baby loss.1 So it’s vital that everyone knows that they are not alone and that there is a community that understands and is here for them, whatever they need – be it guidance, shared stories or simply a listening ear to help and offer comfort.
Clea Harmer, Chief Executive at Sands, said: “We are so grateful to everyone who has given their time to make the biggest ever collection of Sands Ribbon Displays for Baby Loss Awareness Week. Every ribbon is hand made with love and many people take so much care writing the names of babies on the ribbons, their own and those of people in their local community. These displays are so important as pregnancy and baby loss can be a hidden form of bereavement, and many parents and families feel isolated or that their losses are not recognised.
“A Ribbon Display is something you cannot walk past without wondering, what is it about? They can really help start conversations which helps to break the silence that still surrounds pregnancy and baby loss. Seeing the photos of all the displays on social media really gives the feeling of a connected ribbon of love stretching across Scotland and the whole of the UK. Thank you to everyone who has helped build these beautiful visions of remembrance.”
Ribbon Displays are not the only way Sands supporters are marking Baby Loss Awareness Week in Scotland. Many people will be taking part in Ribbon Run on Saturday 12 October, a sponsored 5,10 or 15km run, walk or jog where thousands of people come together to remember their babies and raise funds for Sands.
Kirsty McDermott is organising the Glasgow Ribbon Run on Saturday 12th October at Strathclyde Park in memory of her daughter Lillian who was born sleeping on 10th August this year.
Kirsty says: “On Saturday 20th July our lives changed forever when a scan showed that Lily had Hydrops Fetalis, and she was subsequently diagnosed with a rare genetic condition. She was born at peace on 10th August. Mere moments in our arms, but forever in our hearts, my partner Alan and I will always remember our daughter. I am organising the Ribbon Run in memory but also in celebration of Lily. Whilst her time with us was short it has had a huge impact not just on our lives but the lives of those she will help by allowing us to fundraise in her honour.
“Sands has been an invaluable support to Alan and I these last few weeks, as has talking and sharing our story with others. We know from sharing our story that others have been helped and hope that by sharing our story on a wider forum we can help others too, whilst also raising awareness of baby loss. Baby loss sadly happens far too frequently and should not be a taboo subject; we will always speak of our daughter and she will always be our first born and a part of us and our family.”
Whilst supporters and allies, like businesses and landmarks, have also pledged to light up pink and blue to mark this important week.
Clea Harmer, continued: “We are delighted that Softcat and NatWest Group are joining the campaign as Official Sands Partners for Baby Loss Awareness Week. Thanks to their support, we are able to reach more people affected by pregnancy or baby loss and let them know that together, we care. From fundraising with colleagues to turning their offices pink and blue - we are so grateful to Softcat and the NatWest Group for their ongoing commitment to raising awareness, supporting bereaved families, and saving babies’ lives.”
More Baby Loss Awareness Week activities across the UK
The theme for Baby Loss Awareness Week (BLAW) 2024 is ‘Together, we care’ and acknowledges that finding ways to nurture your mental and physical wellbeing is a vital part of anyone’s bereavement journey.
Many other charities, organisations and individuals are also creating Ribbon Displays across the UK during the Week, in addition to those made by Sands supporters and volunteers.
Throughout the Week, landmarks and buildings across the UK will be lit up pink and blue – the colours of Baby Loss Awareness Week - and people will be holding remembrance events in their hometowns to help raise awareness of the impact of pregnancy and baby loss, remember much-loved babies and open up conversations around this issue.
The Baby Loss Awareness Week website lists a wide range of organisations that provide support booklets and resources, signposting to different types of support, as well as resources for health professionals working with and supporting bereaved families.
The week will draw to a close at 7pm on 15 October when candles for all our babies gone too soon are left burning for one hour during the global Wave of Light, with many joining together online, creating a trending moment of connection and collective remembrance across the UK.
For more information visit: babyloss-awareness.org and follow #BLAW on social media.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Biggest number of Sands Ribbon Displays ever for Baby Loss Awareness Week
Bereaved parents and families across Scotland remember together all those lives lost too soon.
READ MORE
Massive turn out for the biggest ever AJ Bell Great Scottish Run
After months of epic build up and training, this weekend saw Scotland's largest weekend of running as the biggest and best AJ Bell Great Scottish Run took place with over 30,000 runners.
READ MORE
Longlist for the Scottish Live Music Awards Revealed!
The recently launched Scottish Live Music Awards (SLMA) has unveiled its longlist for 2024!
READ MORE
With less than a week to go, Tenement Trail stage times revealed
Celebrating the 10th edition of TENEMENT TRAIL Festival on 12th October, TENEMENT TV and DF Concerts are delighted to announce the festival stage times!
READ MORE
National Library of Scotland shortlisted for national award
The National Library of Scotland has been shortlisted for the Scottish Library and Information Council's Project Excellence Award for its Fitba Research Club: Andrew Watson's Legacies' project.
READ MORE
Super Saturday scenes in George Square at the AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great Scottish Run 2024
The streets of Glasgow were awash with happy faces and super outfits yesterday morning as the AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great Scottish Run returned to Glasgow for the annual celebration of running.
READ MORE
Leading arts organisation to open exhibition space in new creative hub in historic building on River Clyde
The former Adelphi Terrace Public School at Florence Street has been transformed into new long-term home for leading visual arts organisation, The Common Guild.
READ MORE
The biggest weekend in Scottish running has arrived!
Over 30,000 runners will participate in the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run this weekend, making it the biggest staging of the event yet!
READ MORE
Comedian Craig Hill takes his latest hit show out on tour across Scotland
Comedian Craig Hill takes his latest hit show, I've Been Sitting On This For A While!, out on tour across Scotland later this month!
READ MORE
Amazing Silent Discos is bringing retro silent disco to The Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow
After a string of sold-out events across the US, Amazing Silent Discos is bringing its unforgettable retro silent disco to the iconic Old Fruitmarket for one night only on Saturday 2 November!
READ MORE
Enjoy a SPOOKtacular half term with Stena Line
If you're looking for exciting ways to keep the kids entertained this half-term, look no further than Northern Ireland!
READ MORE
Free Carnival tickets available for charities and community groups
The IRN-BRU Carnival is offering 1000 free tickets to charity and community groups across Glasgow.
READ MORE
Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers comes to cinemas nationwide on 6th November
Exhibition on Screen brings the National Gallery's stunning Van Gogh exhibition to the big screen, along with a deep dive into his fascinating life and incredible skill.
READ MORE
Get ready for a great big Living History Week
Historical re-enactors will be heading to Historic Scotland sites across the country this October for this year's Great Big Living History Week!
READ MORE
SAY Award announce Shortlist and Modern Scottish Classic winner
The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) has today revealed the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2024’s Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award
READ MORE
Baby Loss Awareness Week unites bereaved families across the UK
People affected by pregnancy and baby loss will be joining together to take part in a range of activities to remember and talk about their babies this Baby Loss Awareness Week.
READ MORE
Entertainers launch their debut Christmas show Step Into Christmas, arriving in Glasgow this November
This festive season, Entertainers, one of the UK's leading entertainment producers debut their first Christmas show, Step Into Christmas, at The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow!
READ MORE
BBC Gladiators stars to host AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great Scottish Run
It's official, stars of the BBC's Gladiators, Sabre & Apollo, will be joining the fun at this year's sold-out AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great Scottish Run this Saturday 5 October!
READ MORE
Family fun for all weather at the National Museum of Rural Life this October
Escape to the country this autumn for plenty of family fun, come rain or shine at the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride!
READ MORE
The Kings Theatre Glasgow announces new pantomime partnership with Radisson Blu Hotel Glasgow
The King's Theatre Glasgow is thrilled to announce that Radisson Blu Hotel Glasgow is sponsoring, Peter Pan!
READ MORE
Comedian Paul Black brings sell out show to the SEC Armadillo
After the sell-out success of Scottish comedian Paul Black's All Sorts show at this year's Edinburgh Fringe, he is delighted to be bringing it to the Armadillo for one night only!
READ MORE
Miller Homes makes kids across the West of Scotland visible this Autumn
Miller Homes, Scotland's leading homebuilder, is brightening the streets across the West of Scotland this autumn as it celebrates the fifth anniversary of its Home Safe campaign.
READ MORE
Twice the festive fun: Starry Nights Illuminated Christmas Experience makes highly anticipated return
Event that welcomed huge crowds at Dean Castle, will add a sprinkle of stardust with magical festive fun held at both the original venue and a new location at Beecraigs Country Park.
READ MORE
Vango teams up with VisitScotland to encourage responsible tourism
Leading Scottish camping and outdoor specialist brand, Vango, has announced it is working with VisitScotland to promote responsible tourism across the country.
READ MORE
Tim Visser and Kath Vass joined veteran rugby teams for Vets Fest
Ex Scotland rugby internationals Tim Visser and Kath Vass joined 800 Men and Women for Vets Fest 2024 to Celebrate Vets Rugby and Raise Funds for Wooden Spoon.
READ MORE
Official starters confirmed for AJ Bell Great Scottish Run 2024
Scotland Internationals and Glasgow Warriors teammates Duncan Weir & Kyle Steyn will be this year's official starters for the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run.
READ MORE
Gareth Gates brings Valentine special to The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow
Gareth Gates invites you to an unforgettable evening as he brings his new self-produced show, Gareth Gates Sings Love Songs from the Movies, to The Pavilion Theatre.
READ MORE
Community groups, local authorities, charities and schools urged to apply for funding to add trees in urban areas
Future Woodlands Scotland and bp are on a mission to add more trees and green spaces to Scotland’s cities and towns.
READ MORE
Full casting announced for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at The Kings Theatre Glasgow
Award-winning actor Katy Stephens will play The White Witch when The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe comes to The King's Theatre Glasgow in June!
READ MORE
Christmas lights switch on to kickstart festive celebrations in Glasgow
A joyous switch-on of the Christmas lights in George Square will signify the start of the festive season in Glasgow!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links