WHEN parents go through the devastating loss of a baby, whether during pregnancy, at birth or in infancy, they often feel isolated and unable to process the overwhelming grief and trauma that miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal and early years loss brings.

What most do not realise is that they are not alone and sadly around 700 other parents will go through the same loss each day in the UK.

The Mariposa Trust provides support globally to tens of thousands of people each week who have experienced or been affected by baby loss, some recently and some decades ago, via six divisions.

The charity’s primary division “Saying Goodbye” provides comprehensive support solutions including the “Saying Goodbye” services of remembrance, held at cathedrals, minsters and abbeys across the UK and internationally.

These services allow parents, and their extended family and friends to acknowledge and remember each child they have lost in a supportive and beautiful service.

On Saturday, April 8, a Saying Goodbye service will be held at Exeter Cathedral at 1.30pm.

This is the 82nd service that the charity has held since September 2012, and will be the first of more than 20 taking place this year.

These uplifting and moving services filled with music, poems, acts of remembrance and more have been attended by countless thousands of people, who have found healing and solace by attending.

Zoe Clark-Coates, who founded and runs the charity with husband Andy, commented: “The experience of baby loss affects people deeply, often impacting key areas of their life, including health, relationships and work.

“People often feel isolated, and due to the taboo nature of loss, their pain and grief is seldom discussed or properly acknowledged.

“The Saying Goodbye services give people the opportunity to publicly remember and commemorate their losses, which is often the first time they have been able to do so.”

The services though held in cathedrals and similar venues are open to anyone of any faith or no faith, are free to attend, and welcome not only individuals and couples who have been through loss, but also their extended family and friends. Children are welcome to attend, and there is no need to pre-book, as the services are not ticketed events.