Stafford-based charity supporting bereaved parents launched

Stafford-based bereaved parent charity A Child of Mine, aims to bring an end to the feelings of social isolation bereaved parents often feel, by asking everyone to display messages of support across social media and to light a candle for the children lost on July 3.

Charity founder, Gayle Routledge, lost her son Lewis to cancer on July 3 before he was able to celebrate his third birthday.

She said: “When Lewis was diagnosed with stage 4 Neuroblastoma in June 2008 we felt as though the world had fallen around our feet and we were numb.

“After months of intensive treatment his little body could not fight anymore and on July 3, 2010, he gained his angel wings.

“It felt like we were at the top of a waterfall and were about to be swept away.

“For us however, we felt lucky because we have wonderful support from other families we met through the hospital where Lewis was treated. This stopped us from feeling terribly alone.

“It’s why we began A Child of Mine – to be there to help and support families who have lost a child at any age under any circumstance.

“By creating a dedicated national day for bereaved parents we’re now asking everyone to show these families they are not alone.

“Thankfully not everyone will lose a child, but sadly we all know what it’s like to experience loss. I hope this day will raise awareness of child loss and start the conversation, so it no longer remains ‘the elephant in the room’.”