BEREAVED parents are being invited to a special memorial service at Bradford Royal Infirmary offering them comfort and a chance to grieve with others who have had similar experiences.

The Time for Shared Memories is for people from a range of faiths, as well as those who are not religious. Based on a children’s book, the event on Saturday will be held in the Sovereign Lecture Theatre, Field House, Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Bradford Teaching Hospitals’ Anglican and Free Church chaplain, the Reverend Joe Fielder, who is part of the Foundation Trust’s multi-faith chaplaincy team, said: “Being with others who have suffered similar heartache can be very supportive and enabling.

"Families are able to talk to each other before and after the ceremony and that support is as much a key part as the service itself.”

The memorial event is being organised by the Foundation Trust’s chaplains along with staff from various wards to offer support to women who have suffered pregnancy loss and to parents who have lost children.

The service is also open to other family members and friends who are also grieving.

Mr Fielder said: “The service gives parents and the wider family – siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, as well as close family friends – the chance to share feelings and grieve together in a supportive environment.”

Nicky and Matthew Hodges-Rhodes, of Greengates, Bradford, attended the service last year to remember their baby daughter, Lillie Grace, who died soon after birth.

Mrs Hodges-Rhodes said: “The Shared Memories service is a peaceful and informal time to reflect on the loss of your child alongside other parents.

“Losing a child can be quite isolating at times and even family and friends find it hard to discuss, but sharing this time with others who have gone through the same experience helps tremendously.

"After the service volunteers and representatives from the chaplaincy team are on hand to offer support and you don't have explain anything to anyone if you don't want to as everyone is there for the same reason, to remember their little one."

Mr and Mrs Hodges-Rhodes were the first at the BRI to agree to donate their baby's heart valves to help save the lives of other sick babies.

During the service there will also be space for reflection and candles will be lit for the children who have died.

Mr Fielder added: “Through quietness and words, we will try to help people with their grief, no matter how recent or old their loss.”

The service is based around the children’s story ‘The Kite and Caitlin’ by Roger McGough, which touches on sickness and death and is used to help people in their ongoing journey of bereavement and recovery.

To find out more call the Mr Fielder on 01274 365819 or Julie Key, bereavement support midwife, on 01274 364911.

The service starts at 3pm. Pay and display car parking is available near the maternity unit close to the BRI’s gate five or in the main hospital car park opposite gate six.