Remembering babies lost during Baby Loss Awareness Week 2026
Baby Loss Awareness Week, from 9 to 15 October, brings together families, friends and communities to remember babies who have died during pregnancy, at birth or in infancy, and to acknowledge the impact of their loss.
For bereaved parents and families, having the opportunity to remember their baby and share their experience can be an important part of navigating grief. The week also provides an opportunity to highlight the support available to those affected by baby loss.
Our annual Baby Remembrance Service will take place at 7pm on Friday 9 October at St Luke’s Church, opposite the Emergency Department at Cheltenham General Hospital. The service is organised by our Department of Spiritual Care and bereavement midwives, who support families through pregnancy and baby loss, providing care and support during some of the most difficult moments in their lives.
“Supporting families through pregnancy and baby loss means being there to listen, offering care and understanding and helping people find the support and information they need. Baby Loss Awareness Week gives us an opportunity to acknowledge the many different experiences of loss and to remember the babies who will always be part of their families’ lives,” says lead bereavement specialist midwife Clare Davies.
A light in remembrance
The Women’s Centre and Forget-me-not Garden will be illuminated on Friday 9 October and again on Thursday 15 October, as part of the global Wave of Light. At 7pm on 15 October, people around the world will light candles in memory of babies who have died, creating a wave of light across different time zones.
Our Forget-me-not Garden is a peaceful place where families can sit, reflect and remember their babies with loved ones. It is also a place for hospital staff who have experienced baby loss or supported bereaved parents.
At the heart of the garden is a memory tree, created by artist Clare McHugh. Parents can dedicate a leaf in memory of their baby; each leaf remains on the tree for two years before being returned to the family as a keepsake. Families can dedicate a leaf by following this link.
In the Women's Centre
A Baby Loss Awareness Week stand will be available in the Women’s Centre corridor throughout the week. Ribbons will be available for visitors to tie around the arches in the Forget-me-not Garden in memory of a baby, while bubbles can be collected for siblings to take into the garden.
Baby Remembrance Service: Small Footprints on our Hearts
The service is open to anyone affected by baby loss. Through music, poetry and the opportunity to light a candle, it offers a chance to remember babies and reflect alongside others who understand the experience of loss.
- Date: Friday 9 October 2026
- Time: 7pm
- Venue: St Luke’s Church, opposite the Emergency Department, Cheltenham General Hospital (GL53 7JJ)
For further information, please email ghn-tr.spiritualcare@nhs.net.
Support information
- If you or someone you know needs support, please contact our specialist Bereavement team. You can also speak with your midwife, doctor or another member of staff.
- National charities such as SANDS, Tommy’s, Cruse and the Miscarriage Association also provide help and resources.
- You can find more support information, including local baby loss and miscarriage support group Forget Me Not on our support and contact information page.