A church in Medmenham is offering a Mother’s Day service with a difference for parents who have lost a child.

St Peter and St Paul’s Church is running their annual Footprints service on March 17 – an alternative service for anyone who has lost a child at any stage of life, from pregnancy to adulthood.

The service is also for anyone who has been affected by such a loss, whether parent, grandparent, friend or family member.

Reverend Sue Morton, associate priest at the church in Henley Road, said: “When we have lost someone precious, anniversaries can be difficult and, for anyone who has been affected by the loss of a child, Mother’s Day can be especially hard.

“It may be a time when the pain of losing a child is difficult to bear, whether that loss is recent or many years ago. It may also be a time when remembering is important and a significant part of the pathway through grief.”

The Footprints service will offer space to remember your child and the opportunity to light a candle in his or her memory if you wish.

There will be music, readings and prayers included as part of the time of remembering and refreshments will also be served after the service.

The alternative service will start at 7.30pm on Friday, March 17.

For more information, contact Revd Morton on 01491 639286.