By Laura O’Neill

Derry City and Strabane District Council will mark Baby Loss Awareness Week from October 9 to 15 by lighting The Guildhall Clock, The Tinnies and Council Buildings, pink and blue.

Other buildings across the world will also be illuminated, in an initiative to support bereaved parents and families and unite them with others globally to commemorate their babies’ lives.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Patricia Logue, facilitated the lighting and expressed her hope that the gesture would help raise local awareness of the issue:

“I am proud to be able to facilitate the lighting up of our civic buildings to show support to the thousands of families affected in our Council area,” she said.

“It is an opportunity to highlight that they are not alone and there are support services in place to guide them through this heart-breaking time.”

It is estimated, in the UK one in four pregnancies end in loss during pregnancy or birth. Baby Loss Awareness Week is now in its 21st year with its aim being, that anyone who has experienced pregnancy and baby loss is not left feeling alone and that they have support. It is recognised across the world and culminates with the Wave of Light on October 15. This is a special time when people across the world light a candle at 7pm local time to remember all the cherished little lives that have been lost.

Visit www.babyloss-awareness.org for help, support and information.