By Scunthorpe’s first baby memorial garden in development
A grieving couple from Scunthorpe are currently developing the town’s first baby memorial garden.
The idea was born after tragedy struck Andrew and Donna Clifford, but they have turned the experience into something meaningful and heart-warming as they make progress on creating a safe space for grieving parents.
According to the Office of National Statistics’ latest report, in 2019 alone, 2,390 infant deaths (under the age of 1) and 907 child deaths (aged 1 to 15 years) were recorded in England and Wales.
Whilst the number of infant deaths has been steadily decreasing over the past five years, the infant mortality rate has remained stable due to incurable diseases and illnesses.
This means that thousands of parents would still benefit from community projects similar to the Baby Rainbow Memorial Garden.
The memorial garden will support and help people to talk about their experiences in a new and colour-filled location at Central Park, Scunthorpe.
The work is due to be completed by March next year.
Volunteers have been helping the couple on their journey and many have praised the idea profusely.
It has also been reported that the pair received a rainbow over the weekend when they and all the volunteers were working hard at the site.
The couple have also expressed plans for inviting Billy Sharp, a former Scunthorpe United player, to the official opening ceremony for the baby memorial garden.
Sharp also faced the same loss that many parents are forced to suffer through.
He would bring a lot of light to the event whilst raising awareness for the comfort that the park will offer.
An olive tree is also reportedly planned for the baby memorial garden to honour and raise awareness for mental health.
(Image: @TheHamst)
