Balloon release in memory of babies who died

A WARRINGTON charity is to officially launch the start of  a fundraising drive in the town with a balloon release in memory of babies who had died.
Warrington Sands, a local branch of Sands the stillbirth and neonatal death charity, that supports anyone affected by the death of a baby, will launch its fundraising activity tomorrow (Saturday) at 10.30am at the Town Hall.
Personalised message tags will be attached to balloons being released.
Refreshments will be available at Bold St Methodist Church after the release.
The event will be attended by the Mayor, Cllr Ted Finnegan and his Mayoress, fundraisers, Warrington Sands’ volunteers, and bereaved parents.
Cllr Finnegan said: “I’m honoured that Warrington Sands has asked me to be a guest at this event. In only a short space of time the group, run entirely by volunteers, has already done such a great job supporting and caring for parents at such a distressing time.”
Bereaved grandparents Mike Constantinou and his wife Jane, launched Warrington Sands in 2013 and provide support via group meetings, one-to-one support, telephone and email to local families whose baby has died before, during or shortly after birth.
Mr Constantinou said: “As a family left devastated by the loss of a much wanted baby, we understand the need for a safe place for these families to go to, where they can be with other people who understand the pain  and heartbreak which they are going through.
“Any member of the family is welcome to attend our meetings, as we know how a loss affects everyone.  The meetings are open to anyone, regardless of when they suffered their loss, be it 20 years ago, or weeks or months ago.
“We decided to launch our fundraising for the year with a balloon release as a lot of our bereaved families feel that releasing a balloon is a comfort and a way of sending a loving message to their child.”