A GRIEVING mum is keeping the memory alive of her baby daughter after she lost her in August.

Ellie Leech and her partner Elliott Simpson lost their baby daughter Lily when she was 21 weeks pregnant.

She hopes to raise awareness of baby loss by helping other expectant parents talk about their grief and make it less of a taboo subject.

On Saturday, October 14, the family ran an event in Westlands Road, Princes Risborough, to help parents have a "moment of peace and share their babies name with the world".

Bucks Free Press: Ribbons pinned on to Lily's tree

Parents tied ribbons onto the tree, known as Lily's display, writing messages "I never got to carry you in my arms but I will always carry you in my heart, love mummy x." 

Another parent wrote: "I love you so much bright eyes. Cayla-Jade 4.02.05 to 16.06.05."

Ellie said: "Me and my partner lost our little girl Lily Hetty Simpson at 21weeks in August. Talking about baby loss is a bit of a taboo, no one ever talks about it yet it’s so common.

"Unfortunately it’s a thing that does happen with reason or that can happen unexpectedly. We want to put it out there and make sure people know they aren’t alone."

Ellie explained how supportive her family have been during this difficult time.

She added: "Our family have been amazing in supporting us but we know some people don’t have that luxury.

"Our purpose since losing Lily is to help and support others going through this.

"This is my way of channelling grief to keep saying her name but also genuinely wanting to have a voice about it, make people aware of how to support those who have lost, personally what we found helped us and what didn’t.

"This tree was a perfect step for us to support and let parents commemorate. Put a ribbon up for their babies no matter what stage.

"Whether it was miscarriage, ectopic, stillbirth, stillborn, missed miscarriage or even just after babies have been born (the list is endless).

"Putting their name out to the world and not stop talking about them, they are part of people's lives and still our babies no matter what."

Donations made by parents on the day will support the Primrose Bereavement Room at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.

The Primrose Room is a separate suite in the hospital where parents can grieve, feel calm and have comfort with their baby.

Her experience prompted her to launch a fundraising page in honour of losing Lily, hoping to help other parents going through baby loss.

The fundraising page, which has raised £1,640, said: "The Primrose suite is a separate room where parents go have their angel babies. It’s a place where it gives parents a sense of calmness, and a bit of home and also helps comfort them in a time of need.

"Since having Lily we’ve wanted to give back to that room and to the parents who have lost their babies. 

"After having Lily, it’s given me such an urge and a purpose to help support others who go through this.

"No one should have to lose their babies, if we can help ease any person of this grief one bit, we will do what we can." 

Visit https://gofund.me/a4107e9a to donate.