During June 2017, as part of our 15 babies a day initiative, we will share 15 blogs by 15 people who have been affected by the death of a baby. By doing this we aim to show the sheer number of people who are affected by the tragedy of one baby’s death. Visit our 15 Perspectives webpage to view other blogs in the series.

My name is Aaron Taylor and I started working in the funeral profession in August 2014 for Edd Frost & Daughters in Banbury, after leaving the employment of the local police force. I was fortunate enough to be taken on immediately as a funeral director despite having no experience at all within the industry. I learnt a huge amount from my great friend, colleague and mentor, Ian Fergie, who coincidentally mentored my now employer, Edd Frost. My first experience of loss was extremely difficult as just four days after losing my dear Nan, the aforementioned Ian Fergie sadly died. I felt extremely lost without him guiding me and although he had taught me so much, I still had lots to learn.

"Watching the families that you have helped go on to flourish is truly wonderful."

I would argue that being a funeral director is one of, if not the most rewarding jobs that anybody could ever have. There is no denying it can be a difficult job at times, especially when dealing with funeral arrangements for babies and children but the feeling you as an individual get from helping a family through what is often the most difficult time in their lives cannot be beaten.

Also, watching the families that you have helped go on to flourish is truly wonderful. One of the families that I looked after lost their baby daughter at just five days old, they have since gone on to raise well over £17,000 for Sands. They have also started their own business, Starfish Creations, in designing and selling cards and prints to families who have lost their children, so that on significant days like mother’s day, father’s day, birthdays and Christmas the parents can take comfort in a card or present from their child who they hold in their hearts rather than their arms. I was so very pleased to hear that they have recently welcomed a beautiful rainbow baby into the family.