Biggest number of Sands Ribbon Displays ever for Baby Loss Awareness Week
Bereaved parents and families across Scotland remember together all those lives lost too soon.
Article Source: Baby Loss Awareness Week
Last Updated: 7 October 2024 12:44
Sands, the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity, has counted the most Ribbon Displays ever created across the country by the charity’s dedicated volunteers and supporters.
Parents and families affected by pregnancy and baby loss have joined together to create a grand total of 190 of the beautiful pink and blue Ribbon Displays across the UK as part of Baby Loss Awareness Week 2024 (9-15 October).
Each public display includes handmade ribbons, many with the names of the much-loved and missed babies written on them. From paper displays in shop windows to ribbons hung from trees, there are so many ways that people have found to interpret a Sands Ribbon Display for Baby Loss Awareness Week.
Sands has created an online map to help people find a display in their area. People can also dedicate a ribbon on Sands' virtual Ribbon Remembrance tree.
Melissa Lindsay of Orkney Sands is organising a ribbon display at St Magnus Cathedral, South Ronaldsay. She said: “A ribbon display is a visual, public display marking the loss of pregnancy at any stage, including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth and death of a baby. By tying a ribbon to the display we remember these babies.
“We have arranged to have the St Magnus Cathedral lit up in blue and pink for the week and will use the railings at the front of the cathedral for our ribbon display. We feel that by seeing these ribbons it will spark an interest from passers-by and hopefully raise awareness. People can then add their own ribbon in memory of, perhaps their own personal loss, or to remember a family member, friend or colleague’s loss. There is such a ripple effect of baby loss and it is so important that we acknowledge this.
“We plan to hold a service at the end of Baby Loss Awareness Week where we will light our candles at 7pm then have the option of walking together to the cathedral to add ribbons and remember these baby’s gone too soon.”
Displays are also planned in Aberdeen, Dunfermline, Musselburgh, Kirkmuirhill and many other places across Scotland.
Half of UK adults have said that they, or someone they know, had experienced at least one form of pregnancy or baby loss.1 So it’s vital that everyone knows that they are not alone and that there is a community that understands and is here for them, whatever they need – be it guidance, shared stories or simply a listening ear to help and offer comfort.
Clea Harmer, Chief Executive at Sands, said: “We are so grateful to everyone who has given their time to make the biggest ever collection of Sands Ribbon Displays for Baby Loss Awareness Week. Every ribbon is hand made with love and many people take so much care writing the names of babies on the ribbons, their own and those of people in their local community. These displays are so important as pregnancy and baby loss can be a hidden form of bereavement, and many parents and families feel isolated or that their losses are not recognised.
“A Ribbon Display is something you cannot walk past without wondering, what is it about? They can really help start conversations which helps to break the silence that still surrounds pregnancy and baby loss. Seeing the photos of all the displays on social media really gives the feeling of a connected ribbon of love stretching across Scotland and the whole of the UK. Thank you to everyone who has helped build these beautiful visions of remembrance.”
Ribbon Displays are not the only way Sands supporters are marking Baby Loss Awareness Week in Scotland. Many people will be taking part in Ribbon Run on Saturday 12 October, a sponsored 5,10 or 15km run, walk or jog where thousands of people come together to remember their babies and raise funds for Sands.
Kirsty McDermott is organising the Glasgow Ribbon Run on Saturday 12th October at Strathclyde Park in memory of her daughter Lillian who was born sleeping on 10th August this year.
Kirsty says: “On Saturday 20th July our lives changed forever when a scan showed that Lily had Hydrops Fetalis, and she was subsequently diagnosed with a rare genetic condition. She was born at peace on 10th August. Mere moments in our arms, but forever in our hearts, my partner Alan and I will always remember our daughter. I am organising the Ribbon Run in memory but also in celebration of Lily. Whilst her time with us was short it has had a huge impact not just on our lives but the lives of those she will help by allowing us to fundraise in her honour.
“Sands has been an invaluable support to Alan and I these last few weeks, as has talking and sharing our story with others. We know from sharing our story that others have been helped and hope that by sharing our story on a wider forum we can help others too, whilst also raising awareness of baby loss. Baby loss sadly happens far too frequently and should not be a taboo subject; we will always speak of our daughter and she will always be our first born and a part of us and our family.”
Whilst supporters and allies, like businesses and landmarks, have also pledged to light up pink and blue to mark this important week.
Clea Harmer, continued: “We are delighted that Softcat and NatWest Group are joining the campaign as Official Sands Partners for Baby Loss Awareness Week. Thanks to their support, we are able to reach more people affected by pregnancy or baby loss and let them know that together, we care. From fundraising with colleagues to turning their offices pink and blue - we are so grateful to Softcat and the NatWest Group for their ongoing commitment to raising awareness, supporting bereaved families, and saving babies’ lives.”
More Baby Loss Awareness Week activities across the UK
The theme for Baby Loss Awareness Week (BLAW) 2024 is ‘Together, we care’ and acknowledges that finding ways to nurture your mental and physical wellbeing is a vital part of anyone’s bereavement journey.
Many other charities, organisations and individuals are also creating Ribbon Displays across the UK during the Week, in addition to those made by Sands supporters and volunteers.
Throughout the Week, landmarks and buildings across the UK will be lit up pink and blue – the colours of Baby Loss Awareness Week - and people will be holding remembrance events in their hometowns to help raise awareness of the impact of pregnancy and baby loss, remember much-loved babies and open up conversations around this issue.
The Baby Loss Awareness Week website lists a wide range of organisations that provide support booklets and resources, signposting to different types of support, as well as resources for health professionals working with and supporting bereaved families.
The week will draw to a close at 7pm on 15 October when candles for all our babies gone too soon are left burning for one hour during the global Wave of Light, with many joining together online, creating a trending moment of connection and collective remembrance across the UK.
For more information visit: babyloss-awareness.org and follow #BLAW on social media.
Sponsored Links
Latest Lanarkshire News
Best Croissant Competition returns for 2025
The Edinburgh Butter Company has announced the return of its ‘Scotland’s Best Croissant’ competition on Monday 13th October.
READ MORE
GlasGLOW announces all new show for 2025, inspired by the legendary 80s campaign that made Glasgow smile
itison has confirmed that GlasGLOW will return to the Botanic Gardens from 24th October – 2nd November for its eighth year and with its biggest show yet... GlasGLOW's Miles Better!
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland launches Talking About Heritage
People across Scotland invited to take part in national conversation about heritage.
READ MORE
Tickets now on sale for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo closes the drawbridge on its 75th anniversary Show, as tickets for next year go on sale.
READ MORE
Beat the Street physical activity game returns to Cambuslang and Rutherglen this autumn!
A popular physical activity game returns to Cambuslang and Rutherglen from Wednesday, 17th September to Wednesday, 29th October.
READ MORE
Primark celebrates 50 years in Scotland with a wee nod to loyal Scots in all stores today
Scottish shoppers will hardly believe it when they see it today as Primark finally relents on one of its biggest brand debates after 50 years.
READ MORE
M&Ds carve out a great family day out this October
M&D's Scotland's Theme Park has launched details of its Pumpkin Festival taking place in October!
READ MORE
Christmas at Crieff Hydro returns with magical line up of festive activities
Scotland's best loved family resort, Crieff Hydro, has unveiled details of a specially curated programme of events as it prepares to welcome guests over the festive period.
READ MORE
Scots Language Awards 2025 shortlist unveiled
The shortlist for the Scots Language Awards 2025 has been unveiled, with figures from Scottish literature, theatre, education and business all in the running for awards at the annual ceremony.
READ MORE
Cheers to 50 years of Primark in Scotland and Hamilton
This Thursday, 21st August, Primark is celebrating 50 years since it opened its doors for the first time in Scotland, and the home of that first store was in Hamilton!
READ MORE
Innis & Gunn wins double gold at the World Beer Awards 2025
Innis & Gunn has claimed double gold on the global stage, winning best in Scotland for the second year running at the World Beer Awards.
READ MORE
Santa Claus is coming to Dobbies
From exciting encounters with Santa himself to hands-on workshops and joyful family moments, Dobbies is the destination for festive fun this Christmas!
READ MORE
Singalong screening of K Pop Demon Hunters heading to Vue venues in Scotland, with tickets on sale now
One of the most-watched films on Netflix is heading to Vue next weekend for a special sing-along event – with tickets on sale now!
READ MORE
Free September gardening workshops at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is inspiring gardeners across Scotland this September with two free-to-attend gardening workshops, Little Seedlings Club and Grow How, suitable for all ages and abilities.
READ MORE
Finalists announced for Scottish Bar & Pubs Awards 2025
Lights, Pints, Action! Scotland's pubs go for gold at the hospitality industry's very own oscars.
READ MORE
Crossbasket Castle unveils holistic wellness experiences to nourish the mind, body and soul
From one-day yoga and breathwork retreats to an overnight luxury Fire & Ice Wellness experience, these events offer the perfect escape to restore, reflect, and recharge.
READ MORE
Cereal giant to support STV Childrens Appeal campaign to fund breakfast clubs in Scottish schools
Stronger Together: Kellogg's pledges pound-for-pound match for Big Scottish Breakfast Fundraiser.
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Motorhome, Caravan & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
Clyde Scouts celebrate 100 years of outdoor adventure at Auchengillan
New high ropes course and giant swing unveiled in landmark investment for centenary.
READ MORE
Alona to host family wrestling event
If you know the difference between your babyface from your heel, then you're going to love the Iron Girders Gym Pro Wrestling show taking place at the Alona Hotel.
READ MORE
Celebrate the last days of summer at M&Ds
If you are looking to entertain the family in the run up to the schools returning, then M&D's Scotland's Theme Park has the ideal day out!
READ MORE
Session schedule unveiled for Glasgow 2026
With packed venues and 30 medal sessions across 50 sport sessions, it's shaping up to be one of the most electric weekends in Glasgow's sporting history!
READ MORE
Free ice cream up for grabs in Hamilton
Equi's to give away free award-winning ice cream in Hamilton this Friday following 11-star Great Taste win!
READ MORE
Scots Language Awards on hunt for nominees
The Scots Language Awards are now welcoming nominations for this year’s celebration of Scots.
READ MORE
BBC River City star Stephen Purdon joins the Go Radio Breakfast Show
Popular Scottish actor Stephen Purdon, best known for his long-standing role as Bob O'Hara in BBC soap River City, is joining The Go Radio Breakfast Show.
READ MORE
Dobbies unveils spellbinding lineup of Autumn events
This October and November, Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to its trio of enchanting autumn events that are lined up across the country, helping kick-start the season.
READ MORE
Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition has officially opened its doors at SEC Glasgow, following a sell out 14 week run in London
This award-winning exhibition welcomes visitors for an extraordinary journey through Ancient Egypt, exploring the myths and mysteries surrounding Pharaoh Tutankhamun.
READ MORE
Five fascinating historic facts about Scone Palace... the crowning place of kings
Scone Palace isn't just a beautiful day out, it's one of Scotland's most iconic historic sites, steeped in royal tradition, political intrigue and centuries of national significance.
READ MORE
Sam Ryder puts live music on tap with the Biggest Pub Gig Ever
Greene King Pubs has appointed Sam Ryder as its 'Head of Gigs' in a bid to get the UK rocking, by increasing access to live music and finding the country's best grassroots talent this summer.
READ MORE
The Sweetest Berry Spots in Scotland this Summer
For those looking for something to fill their summer days, couples, kids, and everyone in between, these spots are perfect for picking Scotland’s most delicious berries.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links