1,000 sign petition for Archie's grave
More than 1,000 people have signed a petition in support of a family who face not being allowed to show a picture of their baby on his gravestone.
Amy Hopson and Warren Hobbs want to put a photograph of little Archie on full show on the memorial in Willenhall Lawn Cemetery.
But Walsall Council has raised concerns the photograph would upset mourners and it was proposed if an image of the baby, who was stillborn, was added it should be covered up most of the time.
Widespread support has now been given to the couple and a total 1,077 people have signed the petition in support of them being able to show the image.
It will now be handed into Walsall Council this week.
A plaque is currently in place ahead of the main gravestone being added in the coming weeks. It had been suggested that a small hinged door be attached so the family could see the picture when the visit.
But Miss Hopson said they cannot see why it should be covered up and had received a mass of support including from SANDS – the Stillbirth and neo-natal death charity. They are now hoping the council will soften the stance and allow the picture to be used.
The 24-year-old mother-of-one from Wednesfield said: "A lot of people are totally agreed they don't find it distressing at all.
"They can't see why you can't have anything like that at the cemetery.
"A lot of people were disgusted."
Baby Archie was stillborn at New Cross Hospital in December.
Speaking in February, Miss Hopson said they were already grieving the loss of their baby without the extra distress caused by the situation.
She insisted the photograph looks like a baby sleeping and having spoken to other parents no-one else found it distressing. It is the only picture they have of their son.
In a statement released at the time Walsall Council said unfortunately the family wanted to use a picture which it was felt may upset other visitors.
They said a compromise which would effectively see a small hinged door fixed over the image, so the family could see the picture when they visit and then cover it over the rest of the time.
This could then provide a satisfactory solution if practically possible.
