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.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Renfrewshire News

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.

Paisley Halloween Festival delivers a frightfully fun weekend for all

Spooky season descended on Paisley at the weekend as thousands of visitors turned out for the annual Halloween Festival!

Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.

A decade of cultural impact to be celebrated at anniversary concert

Celebrated traditional music and Gaelic arts charity, Fèis Phàislig, has announced details of a major anniversary concert to mark ten years of providing cultural opportunities for young people.

Paisley Halloween festival shows visitors a wicked good time!

Paisley Halloween Festival is back at its spooky best as thousands of visitors attended the first night of the festival.

The Beat the Street Renfrewshire winners are announced

The winners of the latest Beat the Street challenge in Renfrewshire have now been announced!

Paisley crowned as Town Of The Year

Judges in the Scotland Loves Local Awards awarded the title after being impressed by the critical point reached in the town's 'resurgence' amid unprecedented investment in its future.

Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk

The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk. 

Braehead just got cooler as Snowflake Gelato debuts in Scotland

Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, is delighted to announce the arrival of Snowflake Gelato.

Community curated film festival brings world class cinema to Greenock this Galoshans Festival

Free and low-cost screenings showcase Horror, Heritage, and Homegrown Talent selected by local curators and young people.

Aldi to open a pop up pumpkin patch in Renfrew this Halloween for one day only

Families are in for a spook-tacular surprise this Halloween, as Aldi is transforming part of its Renfrew store into a pop-up Pumpkin Patch on Saturday 25th October.

Halloween takes over town this weekend

Paisley Halloween Festival will return this weekend with a packed programme to fright and delight visitors!

The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced

The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.

KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.

Horror Con Scotland takes over Paisley Town Hall this Halloween Weekend

Scotland's scariest convention is heading to Renfrewshire for a two-day Halloween spectacular!

Help Provost Cameron light up Renfrewshire this Christmas

Renfrewshire's Provost, Lorraine Cameron is once again inviting children of primary school age to design a Christmas card for 2025.

Grab some Buddie Good Deals here in Paisley town centre this October!

Grab some Buddie Good Deals in Paisley town centre from Saturday 11th October until Saturday 25th October.

Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted

There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!

Scottish Wedding Show turns up the heat as it returns to the SEC

Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this weekend, ready to welcome thousands of couples from across the country looking to plan their dream day!

Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign

Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!

Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced

Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!

Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities

Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.

Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir

Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.

First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards

Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!

Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History

Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.

Popular Listings

Beacon Arts Centre Braehead Arena Johnstone Town Hall Old Swan Inn Paisley Paisley Abbey Paisley Arts Centre Paisley Town Hall Robertson Park Renfrew The Bungalow Paisley Venue Paisley

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.

Sponsored Links

Latest Renfrewshire News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings