PARENTS and families across the area are holding a candle light vigil to break the silence around losing a baby in pregnancy.

As part of Baby Loss Awareness Week, the Tigerlily Trust, a local baby and child loss support charity, is leading a campaign to get landmarks in Kendal, Ulverston and Lancaster lit up in pink and blue in memory of infants who have died soon after birth.

The awareness week is a collaboration between charities and organisations working together across the county for change and improvements in policy, research and bereavement care for anyone affected by the death of a baby.

Val Isherwood, founder of Tigerlily Trust, said “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.”

Ms Isherwood set up the charity after her daughter Lily was stillborn in October 2011.

It was the “most heartbreaking and lonely experience” she said.

The charity now provides remembrance boxes and miscarriage care packages to Morecambe Bay NHS Trust hospitals as well as running support groups.

Kendal couple Luke Knipe and Jessica Abba received support from the charity after their daughter Erin was stillborn at 20 weeks.

“Back in 2016 our lives changed forever,” said Mr Knipe.

“At 19 weeks we attended a scan at the RLI and heard the devastating news that her (Erin’s) heart had stopped beating. Our lives shattered in an instant.

“A feeling of emptiness and helplessness. At 20 weeks my wife and I returned to RLI and our baby Erin was born. She was perfection in miniature.

“Without Tigerlily I would not be where I am today. For me the group is a safe place to share Erin’s story and to share my ups and downs.”

The couple held a charity quiz night at the New Union in Kendal and Craig Hine from Barclays Bank also arranged to match fund the night.

A whopping £2,650 was raised for the Tigerlily Trust.

October 15 is International Pregnancy and Infant Loss awareness day and people from across the world will come together and light a candle in memory of a loved child.

A candle light vigil will be held at Kendal Castle, the Hoad in Ulverston and the Williamson Memorial in Lancaster at 7pm.

All are welcome and more information about the event can be found on the Tigerlily Trust Facebook page.