Babyloss support service continues thanks to crematorium group
A Bristol-based pilot project to provide specialist counselling services for families experiencing baby loss is running for at least a further 12 months, thanks to Westerleigh Group.
Westerleigh Group, which has its national headquarters just outside the city, has donated £10,000 to the Southmead Hospital Charity in support of its Petals project for 2025.
Westerleigh Group is one of the UK’s largest independent owners and operators of crematoria and cemeteries, with 41 sites in England, Scotland, and Wales, all set within beautifully landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide pleasant, peaceful places for people to visit and reflect.
Petals, the specialist babyloss counselling charity, launched the pilot project at Southmead Hospital in April 2024, with funding that included a £6,000 donation from Westerleigh Group. The aim was to ensure that families bereaved of a child no longer had to wait for months to get access to the appropriate, high-quality, care and support they need.
It proved so successful that there was a strong wish to keep it going and Westerleigh Group stepped in again to provide some additional funding.
The Petals project was nominated for further support by Eden Eddolls, Westerleigh Group’s Digital Marketing Officer, who said: “The positive impact of the 12-month pilot project was clear to see and so I was keen for Westerleigh Group to support it again.
“While the loss of any loved one is incredibly difficult, pregnancy or infant loss brings its own unique and profound challenges.
“It is so important that in those circumstances parents have access to expert care and support as quickly as possible.
“At Westerleigh Group, of course, we support bereaved families every day, so the aims of the Petals project resonate strongly with what we do, which is why I nominated the Southmead Hospital Charity to receive some further support.
“I was so proud to be able to present the £10,000 cheque to the Petals project so that it can continue supporting families at such a distressing time in their lives.”’
The donation from Westerleigh Group came from the proceeds of its metal recycling scheme.
With the consent of families, metals recovered during the cremation process are recycled and any money raised is used to support selected charities, local activities and environmental initiatives that benefit communities that Westerleigh Group itself serves.
Katie Collier, Head of Fundraising and Communications from the Southmead Hospital Charity said: “We were honoured to work closely with the Westerleigh Group again and were delighted to receive their generous £10,000 donation towards this important bereavement support service that so many of our patients at North Bristol NHS Trust benefit from, in partnership with Petals, the baby loss counselling charity.
“The project is being so warmly received by both patients and staff and we’re so pleased it can continue for another year. This incredible gift will ensure that bereaved parents continue to receive the specialist, compassionate care at one of the most heart-breaking times imaginable.
“Huge thanks goes to Westerleigh Group for recognising the importance of this vital service. Your ongoing support is making a real difference to so many lives.”
