2014 marks the 10th Anniversary of the Forget me Not Baby Memorial Garden in Gadebridge Park, Hemel Hempstead that is maintained by volunteers and funds from the West Hertfordshire & Buckinghamshire Sands group, a local group of Sands the stillbirth and neonatal death charity.
Opened in May 2004 the garden was created as a place for people to remember their babies; whether lost recently or many years ago. This beautiful memorial garden, located within a public park, was created in 2004 by the then Hemel & St Albans Sands group (now West Hertfordshire & Buckinghamshire Sands), in partnership with Dacorum Council.
The garden, designed by Caroline Muddle of Green Leaf Gardening, with a centrepiece sculpture by Mark Humphrey, is used by both those affected by the loss of a baby and by the general public, as a space to pause, reflect and remember.
The garden was only made possible with support from local businesses and individuals who gave so generously of their time and resources. Grants also came from The Hertfordshire Community Foundation award of a Key Fund from the EU Social fund, HELP (Hertfordshire Environmental Landfill Partnership), Dacorum Borough Council, St Albans Round Table and the William Sutton Trust.
To celebrate this 10th anniversary West Herts & Bucks Sands are holding a Family Butterfly Picnic around the garden on Saturday 21st June from 11am-3pm. At 12pm there will be a commemorative event in the garden, a moment to remember and reflect on those small lives that have touched so many lives.
So why not pack up a picnic and bring your family to enjoy the butterfly themed craft activities, entertainment, light refreshments and live music from local band Backbeat. Some shelter will be available from the elements, rain or shine.
This event coincides with Sands Awareness Month. Every day in the UK, 17 families face the devastation of their baby being stillborn or dying shortly after birth. Tragically, 1 baby in every 200 is stillborn and 1 in every 300 dies in the first four weeks of life. During June each year, the charity strives to raise awareness of stillbirth and neonatal death, as well as vital funds to continue with its support services, and research projects.
West Herts & Bucks Sands are raising funds for the ongoing maintenance and development of this very special garden, and the future work of the local group supporting families affected by the loss of a baby during pregnancy or shortly after birth. The group would welcome your support: by attending on the day, donating to the fund, contributing towards tombola prizes, or by volunteering to help with the gardening and in running this and future events. For more information our full contact information can be found on www.westhertsbuckssands.org.uk or leave a message on the group’s garden information answerphone 07583 32 41 57.
Notes to editors
About Sands: Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity, was established by bereaved parents in 1978 and obtained charity status in 1981. Sands core aims are to support anyone affected by the death of a baby; to work in partnership with health professionals to improve the quality of care and services offered to bereaved families; and to promote research and changes in practice that could help to reduce the loss of babies’ lives. Sands is a national organisation, with over 100 regional support groups across the UK.
Helpline: 020 7436 5881
Office: 020 7436 7940
Web: www.uk-sands.org
E mail: info@uk-sands.org