Service of remembrance

There will be two services of remembrance taking place at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) on Sunday 4th November for anyone who has been affected by the loss of a baby at any stage of pregnancy or in early life.

This year activities will commence at 1.00pm. Parents and families will also have a chance to talk with other families, the hospital chaplains and members of the local Norwich Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society (SANDS). This will be followed by a service to be held at in the Benjamin Gooch Lecture Theatre and is designed for families and suitable for parents to bring young children. Following the service there will be a dove release at 2.30pm.

There will also be an evening service at 6.00pm in the Chapel which is aimed at adults to engage in a quieter, more reflective service.

Eleanor Langan, Lead Chaplaincy Services said ”Many parents find it helpful to come together with others who have been bereaved to remember their baby. Although these children do not live, they remain part of the family and of that family’s experience. These babies continue to be remembered and loved.”

These services are held in conjunction with the SANDS and the hospital chaplaincy. It is a dedicated time when parents, families and friends can come together for mutual support and comfort as they remember the babies that they have lost.

The Books of Remembrance will be available to view in the Chapel.

Sally Spears of Norwich SANDS said: “As a bereaved parent myself I find that a service of this kind not only recognises that my baby had a life and is still remembered, but also gives me a chance to meet other families who have been in the same situation”.

Enquiries can made via the chaplaincy 01603 287470 or via Sally Spears (SANDS) 01603 412827.