Bedford Town Bridge has turned pink and blue to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week

Bedford's Town Bridge and Riverside Bridge which have been illuminated in Pink and Blue since the 9th October will join the wave of light tonight (15th October) to show support for individuals, families and charities supporting those affected by the loss of a baby during pregnancy, at or soon after birth and in infancy.

The annual awareness week, now in its 18th year, has seen buildings up and down the country illuminated in support. You can see more photographs on Mayor Dave Hodgson's facebook page here.

Fiona Wustrau, Chair of the Bedfordshire Sands Group said: "We hope that the Wave of Light Event and turning the Bedford Town Bridge pink and blue, will spark conversations about baby loss and give local bereaved parents and families an opportunity to talk about their precious babies."

Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said "I'm pleased that we are able to support this event again this year, recognising the hard work of over 90 charities and the personal stories of the many people affected by the devastating loss of a baby."

Clea Harmer, Chief Executive of Sands (stillbirth and neonatal death charity), said: "Baby Loss Awareness Week is a unique opportunity for parents to remember their babies who died, and I hope the Wave of Light Event and seeing the Bedford Town Bridge lit pink and blue will help bereaved families in Bedford feel less isolated and alone in their grief. Pregnancy loss or the death of a baby is a tragedy that affects thousands of people every year. It is devastating for parents and families and it's vital they get the bereavement support and care they need, for as long as they need it."

More details on Baby Loss Awareness Week are available here: https://babyloss-awareness.org/

All of the buildings and landmarks turning pink and blue for Baby Loss Awareness Week 2020 will be featured on the interactive map and the Facebook album. Anyone in Bedford can share their photos of Bedford Town Bridge on social media with the hashtag #BLAW2020.

For further information or to speak to someone, please contact Bedfordshire@sands.org.uk, www.bedfordshire.sands.org.uk, 07474 064 132, www.facebook.com/beds.sands/