A memorial service will bring comfort to families affected by the loss of a baby or child. 

The Shared Memories Service is taking place at the Listening for Life Centre, on the grounds of Bradford Royal Infirmary, from 11am on Saturday, July 8.

The quiet service will create an opportunity to remember and reflect. 

It will be based around a children’s story, Gentle Willow by Joyce C. Mills, which deals with the concept of death and bereavement. 

The service will also feature appropriate music and poems.

Reverend Stephen Lees, Church of England SPaRC Practitioner, said: “We know that the journey of grief can be slow and painful, and the experience of loss can be wide – from early miscarriage to the death of a baby or a child.

“But we also think that it can be helpful and supportive to gather together and to remember with others, who have shared a similar heartache.”

It marks the first Shared Memories Service since before the pandemic. 

People are encouraged to bring along any photographs or mementos of their child to be placed on a special memory table. 

The service is open to believers, non-believers, individuals, couples, families, and siblings.

There’s a separate programme aimed at children dealing with grief.

To register your attendance, visit bit.ly/sharedmemoriesservice