For some families, what should be one of the happiest moments of their lives becomes a time of unimaginable heartbreak. The loss of a baby during pregnancy, at birth or shortly afterwards is devastating, and the memories made in those precious moments last a lifetime.

At Calderdale Royal Hospital, staff provide outstanding care and compassion to families experiencing baby loss. However, there is currently no dedicated Maternity Bereavement Suite where families can grieve privately, spend precious time with their baby, and receive specialist support away from the sounds and sights of busy maternity wards.

We're determined to change that.

Through the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Charity Maternity Bereavement Appeal, we aim to raise £300,000 to create a dedicated Maternity Bereavement Suite at Calderdale Royal Hospital. This purpose-built space will provide families with privacy, comfort, dignity and compassionate care at one of the most difficult times imaginable.

The suite will offer a peaceful environment where families can create precious memories with their baby, be supported by specialist staff, and have the time and space they need to begin navigating their loss.

To help make this vision a reality, we're hosting our Lantern Trail this October, marking the beginning of Baby Loss Awareness Week.

As we walk the 10km route from Huddersfield Royal Infirmary to Calderdale Royal Hospital, each lantern will shine as a symbol of remembrance, love and hope. Together, we'll honour babies gone too soon, raise awareness of pregnancy and baby loss, and help ensure future families receive the care and support they deserve, in an environment that is built for them.

Every donation brings us one step closer to creating a dedicated space where bereaved families can find comfort during their darkest moments.

By supporting the Lantern Trail and the Maternity Bereavement Appeal, you're helping to create a lasting legacy of compassion for families across Calderdale and Huddersfield.