Baby garden opens at West Berkshire Crematorium for families suffering pregnancy or baby loss

A baby garden has been opened at West Berkshire Crematorium for families suffering the loss of an unborn child.

The garden is hoped to be a peaceful place for families to visit, within the grounds of the crematorium in Thatcham.

It is a specific place for scattering the remains of babies lost before 24 weeks of a pregnancy.

Though there are individual plots for lost children, the crematorium wanted a specific place reserved for families to visit after a pregnancy loss.

Site manager Stephanie Langford said: “The loss of any loved one is a difficult and distressing time for families, but the loss of a baby can be particularly heart-breaking.

“I wanted to provide a specific place at West Berkshire Crematorium for families to visit after a pregnancy loss.

To mark this opening, the crematorium, which is a part of Westerleigh Group, has also donated £1,000 each to three local organisations that support families when facing such losses.

The funds, raised in its metal recycling scheme, will go to midwives from Royal Berkshire Hospital, Willows Support Group and charity SANDS West Berkshire, who support people through pregnancy and baby loss, as well as aiming to help reduce the number of babies dying altogether.

The money is raised when metals recovered during cremations are recycled and, with families' consent, it goes towards various relevant charities in the community.

Mrs Langford said: “All three organisations provide such vital support to local families during extremely distressing times and we are particularly proud to be able to make these donations, which will enable them to continue their work.

“We all have the same aim, which is to provide some comfort and care for those who need it most.”