PRECIOUS memories of children lost before, during and after childbirth will be remembered in a new event this month.

The event, held in aid of those who have suffered tragic losses will provide the opportunity to light a candle and contribute to a memorial book.

There will also be poetry readings and suitable guitar music played by musician Paul Newson.

Mrs Joyce Fannon, 69, secretary of Weymouth and District Life group said: “It gives the opportunity for people who have not had a memorial and would like to go to one, people for whom loss might be very recent and raw and painful to come together.”

This is the first of its kind in the Weymouth area and was inspired by a similar gathering in Dorchester, organised by Julia Terry.

Mrs Fannon said: “Julia came to give us a talk and we were so impressed that we took it from there. We wanted to try and get something like it for the area. We plan to hold the afternoon once a year at a separate time from Dorchester so that two events are available if people wish to go have them”.

Life is a national charity looking to save the lives of some of the most disadvantaged children in the UK.

They also support vulnerable pregnant mothers and young families through difficult times – offering help to turn their lives around with non-directive counselling for anyone facing a crisis pregnancy, the loss of a baby or with the after-effects of abortion.

Although initiated by the Life group, St Andrew’s Church Deacon Betty Port and Sister Bernadette, who trained in Cruse Bereavement, will also play a part.

Mrs Fannon, who now lives in Buckland Ripers, worked at the Life store and caring service in Great George Street for almost 18 years, and knows how important it is to supply care for people suffering from loss.

She said: “There are people out there who need to express their sorrow in a way – people do naturally tend to deal with things in isolation when social contact is very important.

“A member of our team has suffered pregnancy loss, and I’ve worked for almost 20 years in the field, and have counselling skill sets to use for these situations – so we have experience from both professional and personal standpoints.

“We hope it can be a way where people can help each other out.”

The event will be at St Mary’s Church in St Mary Street, Weymouth on Sunday, April 10, at 2pm.

Refreshments will be available.

For more information, contact Joyce Fannon on 01305 816097.