The ‘Doorway of Hope’ service was organised by local pregnancy loss charity TimeNorfolk and Norwich Cathedral. The intention was for it to be a comfort to all who have lost a baby at any stage of pregnancy, during birth or in the first few months of life.
The service was a time for people to reflect on their loss and remember their child in a public way.
Over 100 people attended the service, including men and women and those coping with recent loss and others from years ago. Mulbarton Community Choir sang at the service and people were given time during the service to remember their lost babies and to light a candle. There was also the opportunity to write a message in a book for remembrance.
Some of the people who have used Time Norfolk’s counselling service in recent months spoke of their experience. The charity gives grieving women and men the chance to talk about their loss and to remember their child. Above everything, the charity gives people time to explore their loss and their feelings without any expectations or constraints, something all three speakers felt was invaluable.
Baby loss has received media attention in recent days – Baby Loss Awareness week was held from 9 – 15 October and BBC Look East covered the service at the Cathedral. Norwich City Hall was also lit up in pink and blue, as part of the Jessica’s Wish baby loss awareness campaign.
