The 14th annual Children’s Memorial Service takes place on Sunday (29th June) and all are welcome.
This year’s service features local band ‘ASAPH’ whose lead singer-songwriter is one of the Nurses from the Children’s Ward at St Mary’s. One of the songs this year has been inspired by one of the children who was a patient at St Marys.
The service is for any parents or families on the Island whose children have died – from infancy through to the age of young adults, either through illness or tragic accidents. Many families come year after year to remember their children who remain ‘forever young’.
Kim, one of the parents says:
“This service brings families and professionals together to remember their precious children who have died. It’s a time of reflection, memories, and a celebration of their children’s lives. The first year this service started a number of children had been diagnosed with cancer and later died. The parents were bought together through their children and their illnesses. Many of those families still keep in touch.”
Another parent, Rhona, says:
“After the loss of Courtney, with the support of Gregory [previous Chaplain], the idea of an annual service was born. Of course, when a child dies, he or she is never far from the minds of the family, but life goes on, and eventually you start living a new ‘normal’ life. However, it is nice to have a service where the focus is on those children, and everyone that attends is there for the same reason-to remember their child. It is a lovely service, especially if the sun is shining! The balloon release I find particularly poignant as they fly off into the blue sky. I urge anyone that is thinking about coming but not sure, to give it a go, because as the service is outside you can be close to others if you want to be, but equally you can sit away if you prefer, but still hear what is going on.”
Parents are warmly invited once again to this year’s service, whether it is their first year since their bereavement or whether they have been before. There is a release of bi-degradable balloons and bubbles during the service; there are favourite songs from artists such as Ellie Goulding, Poloma Faith and Eva Cassidy together with songs played by ASAPH and prayers led by two of the Island’s NHS Chaplains, Rev Kelvin Burke and Rev Janet Hallam.
Kelvin says:
“This service amazes me each year as I hear stories of children’s tremendous courage and strength in the face of suffering. I meet people who travel from the mainland to this service and many Island families who are blessed by this opportunity to remember their loved ones who never grew to adulthood. It is a privilege to lead this service.”
This year’s Children’s Memorial Service takes place on Sunday 29th June at 15:00 in the open air at St Mary’s Hospital by the Lake side. Everyone, whatever their faith, is welcome. In the event of inclement weather the service will be held in the Conference Room on level B at St Mary’s. The Conference Room is opposite the Full Circle Restaurant.
For further information please contact Rev. Burke on 01983-534639 or by e-mail [email protected]. You can find out more about the Chaplaincy service at https://www.iow.nhs.uk/Patients-and-Visitors/Patient-Support/Chaplaincy/.
