Child loss is to be the subject of an emotional evening in Potton this weekend, as bereaved families and friends come together for a period of mutual support and remembrance.

The support and reflection evening is being held as part of National Baby Loss Week – which culminates with a global Wave of Light at 7pm on Monday, October 15.

Potton’s Fiona Kennedy and Paula Evetts are organising the event at St Mary’s Church in Potton next Sunday, October 14.

Fiona told the Comet: “I myself have had three miscarriages, and Paula lost her little girl around 26 weeks. She had a failing heart.

“We spoke when I went through miscarriages, and we decided we wanted to do something to help people who have gone through the same experiences.

“It’s a very, very lonely time. Nobody likes to talk about it. This is just about bringing people together to show there are people going through the same thing, and that there are charities that can help.”

Fiona heard about Wave of Light when she held an afternoon tea in aid of Tommy’s, a charity that funds research to help save babies’ lives.

“Every year we try to hold it on the day, or as close to it as possible,” she said.

“We light candles and all just come together and remember our little ones that sadly aren’t here anymore.”

The evening will include music, prayer and candle lighting in memory of babies lost in pregnancy or after birth.

A father who lost his baby girl at the age of 19 weeks will speak about his experience, and read some of his own poems.

A representative of stillbirth charity Sands will be on hand to help those who need it.

Those present will be given the opportunity to write a message on a start to hang on a memory tree, which will stay all year around.

The evening will end with tea and coffee with biscuits and a chance for a chat, smile, tear or a hug.

October 15, the day after the Potton event, is recognised as International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

The global Wave of Light that day will see families across the world light a candle at 7pm local time – leaving it burning for at least an hour to remember all babies that have died too soon.

The event at St Mary’s, off Hatley Road in Potton, will start at 6.30pm on Sunday, October 14.