Bench will remember lost babies

A bench has been installed in memory of children buried at Maidstone Cemetery.

Three branches of Sands stillbirth and neonatal death charity raised just under £650 to fund the memorial, put up with the help of Maidstone Borough Council’s bereavement service.

It offers a space for parents to sit and reflect in the graveyard off Sutton Road.

The inscription reads: “In memory of all the precious babies and children laid to rest in these grounds.”

Charles Brock, secretary at the charity, said: “Babies and children are buried at other cemeteries in the area that we cover and we wanted to ensure that there was something in place for those parents and relatives.

“So we have placed benches in Crowborough, Paddock Wood and Tonbridge cemeteries recently.

“The one in Maidstone was a joint venture with East Kent Sands and West Kent and Medway Sands because, geographically, Maidstone sits in the middle of the three groups and we wanted bereaved parents in Maidstone to know that there is support available for them even though there is not a branch of Sands in Maidstone.”

The charity is also working to improve facilities for parents at Maidstone Hospital, including fitting out a second bereavement suite, a quiet room in the scan area and more equipment and training which otherwise would not be funded by the NHS.

Plans are being developed to create a baby and children area at Maidstone Cemetery. Once these are completed, Sands intends to install another bench there.

For more details visit www.tunbridgewellssands.org.