Ormskirk hospital will be offering support for the third year running to families remembering lost loved ones in the weeks before Christmas.

The Baby and Child Remembrance Service will be held at Ormskirk hospital and led by the Trust chaplain, the Rev Martin Abrams.

Martin said: “The run up to Christmas can be a very exciting and special time but it can also heighten a sense of loss, grief and isolation.

“This was a much appreciated and successful event last year with more than 60 people attending - many of whom told us how helpful they found it. We hope the short, informal service will be supportive to anyone who has suffered a child or baby lost – not just recently but at any time in the past.
“The Salvation Army band will join us and we will be writing the names of loved ones on baubles to hang from our Christmas tree. This year, our visitors will also have an opportunity to take a bauble home with their loved ones name on, so they can hang it on their own Christmas tree too.”

The event will start with refreshments in the main Ormskirk hospital entrance at 6pm on Wednesday 6 December before moving to one of the hospital gardens for the service.

Tarleton’s Sooty’s Plants in Southport New Road is providing an 8ft plus Christmas tree to mark the special occasion. In 2016, approximately 200 names were registered across the two hospital sites.

Trees of Remembrance will also be available in the prayer and quiet rooms at both Southport and Ormskirk hospitals during December.

Visitors will be welcome to write the name or names of loved ones on a decoration and hang it from the tree.