Three volunteers have been honoured for their dedication to supporting bereaved families.
Kaylee Hargreaves, Sammy Bridges, and Paris Kelynack from Isle of Wight Sands have received the Bel Mooney Award for Raising Awareness from the pregnancy and baby loss charity Sands.
The award was presented at the Sands Volunteer Awards Ceremony during Sands Garden Day at the National Memorial Arboretum on June 7.
The trio were recognised for their efforts to re-establish the Isle of Wight Sands support group, ensuring that families on the island have access to vital support following pregnancy or baby loss.
"I feel that one of the greatest impacts we can have is to sit with someone in their grief, say their baby’s name, and honour their story.
"In those moments, we offer love, validation, and the reminder that they are not alone."
As part of their work, the volunteers organised the first Starlight Walk, which brought bereaved families together to walk under the night sky in memory of their babies.
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Clea Harmer, chief executive of Sands, said: "Volunteers are at the heart of our community and so much of the work we do to save babies’ lives and support bereaved families would not be possible without their commitment and dedication.
"Kaylee, Sammy, and Paris have made such a difference in the Isle of Wight, and this shone through in their nomination."
The award is named after Sands co-founder and patron Bel Mooney, who helped establish the charity more than 45 years ago alongside Hazelanne Lewis and other bereaved parents.
Bel said: "Kaylee, Sammy, and Paris have worked tirelessly to bring support back to bereaved families on the Isle of Wight.
"One in two of us, or somebody we know, has experienced the loss of a pregnancy or death of a baby.
"Thank you to all three amazing volunteers for doing so much to break the silence around pregnancy and baby loss."
