Beckenham resident Jessica Burley, whose son Jacob was stillborn in 2021, has helped organise a series of remembrance events for Baby Loss Awareness Week (9–15 October), bringing together local businesses, churches, and community organisations to create 14 displays, activities, and events across the area.
Remembrance trees, ribbons, stalls, and illuminated windows were among the community's shows of support. One of the main displays was at Croydon Road Recreation Ground, where members of the public were invited to attach pink, blue, and white ribbons to honour the memory of a baby they "knew or loved." The Mayor of Bromley attended the display in her mayoral robes in support of the cause.
Community Comes Together to Remember
"Seeing so many people across Beckenham come together to remember them has meant so much to me," Jessica said. "Every ribbon, every remembrance tree and every building lit pink and blue is a public acknowledgement that these babies existed and that their lives matter."
The week of community gatherings was intended to help reduce stigma around baby loss. Jessica noted that bereaved parents may feel expected to move on when people feel uncomfortable talking about babies who have died.
"I'm incredibly proud to be Jacob's mum, and I never want him to be forgotten. Our babies matter," she added. "They were here, they were loved, and they will always be part of our families."
Wave of Light Reaches Central London
The week culminated in a remembrance service at Beckenham Crematorium on October 15, coinciding with the international Wave of Light, when families around the world lit candles in memory of babies who have died.
Jessica also helped initiate the plan to bring the Wave of Light to the Piccadilly Lights display in Central London, bringing remembrance of babies who have died to one of London's busiest public spaces.
She says she hopes to build on this year's community involvement and continue raising awareness in future years.
