Kirstie, a dedicated staff member at Ipswich Hospital, found herself on an unexpected and difficult journey after her third child Calliope
was born sleeping on 3 May 2022. Kirstie and husband, Stephen, are also parents to Persephone, aged 11, Dorian, aged seven, and two-month-old Caspian.

Kirstie’s willingness to share her family's journey, including the everlasting impact of the Baby Bereavement group, is helping to raise awareness and a deeper understanding of the vital support provided to families navigating the difficult path of baby bereavement.

Following the heart-breaking discovery, Kirstie found comfort in the compassionate guidance of a bereavement officer, who provided essential support right from the start. This included navigating the challenging decisions regarding funeral arrangements.

Kirstie shared her emotional and practical experiences with the Baby Bereavement group and the impact of the group's support during her time of grieving. This Included providing information leaflets at a time when retaining information was extremely difficult.  

The group also extended thoughtful gestures such as aiding in the creation of a memory box, and offering invaluable emotional support during the critical early days.

Through donations, the group are also able to arrange sibling support days and integrate the memory of their loved ones into family events, “It’s lovely for our children to be around other children where they can talk openly about Calliope” said Kirstie.

They provide ongoing support to help families navigate their grief and keep the memory of their baby alive within their hearts and daily lives.

Annual events such as the Baby Bereavement Ball serve as both a fundraising opportunity and a supportive gathering, fostering a sense of community and understanding for parents experiencing loss.

Kirstie is an advocate of the Baby Bereavement Ball and shared, “It’s a really glamorous occasion and everyone is really welcoming. The food is amazing and it’s a really nice mix of people. There’s lots of ways to get involved such as an auction and the evening is finished off with lots of dancing”.

Be there for your friends and family when they need you most and join the Baby Bereavement Ball on Saturday 18 May 2024 to raise vital funds for bereaved families.

To find out more about this wonderful night of glamour and entertainment please visit: Baby Bereavement Ball 2024