The Isle of Wight Council is remembering much-loved and missed babies by lighting up a memorial chalet in the Crematorium pink and blue to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week.

The nationally-recognised week of remembrance runs from October 9 to 15 and encourages people across the pregnancy and baby loss communities, and beyond, to come together and reflect on experiences of loss in whatever way feels right.

The Isle of Wight Council will be taking part, as the Angel’s Rest chalet in the Crematorium’s Baby Garden will be lit up pink and blue for the duration of the week to mark the remembrance.

A national “Wave of Light” will take place on Thursday, October 15, which sees landmarks across the country light up pink and blue to raise awareness of pregnancy and baby loss.

As part of the national remembrance event, those remembering their lost babies are encouraged to light a candle at home at 7pm on October 15.

Tealight candles will be available to collect and take home for free from the Angel’s Rest chalet to allow all families to be involved in the Wave of Light.

Baby Loss Awareness Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the impact of pregnancy and baby loss and the importance that bereavement support plays in the ongoing bereavement journey.

Every day in the UK, 13 babies die shortly before, during or soon after birth.

Half of UK adults have said that they, or someone they know, had experienced at least one form of pregnancy or baby loss.

Janice Lord, the Isle of Wight Council’s bereavement services and registration manager, said: “There is still much uncertainty around pregnancy loss, with the Baby Loss Awareness Alliance suggesting that at least one in six pregnancies end in miscarriage.

“We hope that lighting up the Crematorium pink and blue lets local bereaved families know that we are thinking of them and that they are not alone. We also hope this will spark further conservations about pregnancy loss and baby loss.”

From an initiative started by a group of parents 24 years ago, Baby Loss Awareness Week has grown into an Alliance of over 140 dedicated pregnancy and baby loss organisations led by Sands, Tommy’s, The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, The Lullaby Trust, and Miscarriage UK (formerly known as The Miscarriage Association).

Clea Harmer, Chief Executive of Sands and Chair of the Baby Loss Awareness Alliance, said: “Baby Loss Awareness Week is a vital moment in the year to raise awareness of the scale and impact of pregnancy and baby loss. This heartbreak leaves a deep and lasting impact on the lives of so many parents and families, yet we know that it is still not known or spoken about enough.

“It’s also an important time to let anyone touched by pregnancy or baby loss know that there is a community that understands and is here for you, whatever you need – be it guidance, shared real stories or simply a listening ear to help and offer comfort.

“Everyone can help break the silence, by asking a family member, friend, or work colleague if they would like to talk about their babies and build a world where everyone knows how to find the support they need.”