A MEMORIAL service is to be held for those affected by the loss of a baby or young child.

The service will be held at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, and open to those who have lost a child, on Saturday.

The service is being led by joint-lead chaplains, Reverend Rodney Breckon and Reverend Len Collings of the South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Reverend Breckon said: “I think all of us realise that losing a child is one of life’s most difficult experiences and not something anyone finds easy to talk about.

"In fact, often family and friends prefer to avoid any references to these experiences and thus, they become buried deep in our hearts and emotions - maybe sometimes to our detriment.

"The memorial service gives us a unique opportunity, not only to remember but to give honour and dignity to the little one whom we still hold deep in our memories.

"There are some things we well will never understand in this life yet together we find ways to cope and move forward."

Reverend Collings said the service is open to staff and families affected by the loss of a baby or young child.

He said: “The memorial service for babies and children who have died is such a special and moving moment when we can come together staff and families alike and not only remember and pray for those loved ones we have lost but also give thanks for the work of all those involved in their care, giving both support and encouragement to all.”

  • The service will take place at St Luke's Chapel at the Friarage from 2pm to 2.30pm.