Biggest number of Sands Ribbon Displays ever for Baby Loss Awareness Week

Bereaved parents and families across Scotland remember together all those lives lost too soon.

Article Source: Baby Loss Awareness Week
Last Updated: 7 October 2024 12:44

Sands, the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity, has counted the most Ribbon Displays ever created across the country by the charity’s dedicated volunteers and supporters.

Parents and families affected by pregnancy and baby loss have joined together to create a grand total of 190 of the beautiful pink and blue Ribbon Displays across the UK as part of Baby Loss Awareness Week 2024 (9-15 October).

Each public display includes handmade ribbons, many with the names of the much-loved and missed babies written on them. From paper displays in shop windows to ribbons hung from trees, there are so many ways that people have found to interpret a Sands Ribbon Display for Baby Loss Awareness Week.

Sands has created an online map to help people find a display in their area. People can also dedicate a ribbon on Sands' virtual Ribbon Remembrance tree.

Melissa Lindsay of Orkney Sands is organising a ribbon display at St Magnus Cathedral, South Ronaldsay. She said: “A ribbon display is a visual, public display marking the loss of pregnancy at any stage, including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth and death of a baby. By tying a ribbon to the display we remember these babies.

“We have arranged to have the St Magnus Cathedral lit up in blue and pink for the week and will use the railings at the front of the cathedral for our ribbon display. We feel that by seeing these ribbons it will spark an interest from passers-by and hopefully raise awareness. People can then add their own ribbon in memory of, perhaps their own personal loss, or to remember a family member, friend or colleague’s loss. There is such a ripple effect of baby loss and it is so important that we acknowledge this.

“We plan to hold a service at the end of Baby Loss Awareness Week where we will light our candles at 7pm then have the option of walking together to the cathedral to add ribbons and remember these baby’s gone too soon.”

Displays are also planned in Aberdeen, Dunfermline, Musselburgh, Kirkmuirhill and many other places across Scotland.

Half of UK adults have said that they, or someone they know, had experienced at least one form of pregnancy or baby loss.1 So it’s vital that everyone knows that they are not alone and that there is a community that understands and is here for them, whatever they need – be it guidance, shared stories or simply a listening ear to help and offer comfort.

Clea Harmer, Chief Executive at Sands, said: “We are so grateful to everyone who has given their time to make the biggest ever collection of Sands Ribbon Displays for Baby Loss Awareness Week. Every ribbon is hand made with love and many people take so much care writing the names of babies on the ribbons, their own and those of people in their local community. These displays are so important as pregnancy and baby loss can be a hidden form of bereavement, and many parents and families feel isolated or that their losses are not recognised.

“A Ribbon Display is something you cannot walk past without wondering, what is it about? They can really help start conversations which helps to break the silence that still surrounds pregnancy and baby loss. Seeing the photos of all the displays on social media really gives the feeling of a connected ribbon of love stretching across Scotland and the whole of the UK. Thank you to everyone who has helped build these beautiful visions of remembrance.”

Ribbon Displays are not the only way Sands supporters are marking Baby Loss Awareness Week in Scotland. Many people will be taking part in Ribbon Run on Saturday 12 October, a sponsored 5,10 or 15km run, walk or jog where thousands of people come together to remember their babies and raise funds for Sands.

Kirsty McDermott is organising the Glasgow Ribbon Run on Saturday 12th October at Strathclyde Park in memory of her daughter Lillian who was born sleeping on 10th August this year.

Kirsty says: “On Saturday 20th July our lives changed forever when a scan showed that Lily had Hydrops Fetalis, and she was subsequently diagnosed with a rare genetic condition. She was born at peace on 10th August. Mere moments in our arms, but forever in our hearts, my partner Alan and I will always remember our daughter. I am organising the Ribbon Run in memory but also in celebration of Lily. Whilst her time with us was short it has had a huge impact not just on our lives but the lives of those she will help by allowing us to fundraise in her honour.

“Sands has been an invaluable support to Alan and I these last few weeks, as has talking and sharing our story with others. We know from sharing our story that others have been helped and hope that by sharing our story on a wider forum we can help others too, whilst also raising awareness of baby loss. Baby loss sadly happens far too frequently and should not be a taboo subject; we will always speak of our daughter and she will always be our first born and a part of us and our family.”

Whilst supporters and allies, like businesses and landmarks, have also pledged to light up pink and blue to mark this important week.

Clea Harmer, continued: “We are delighted that Softcat and NatWest Group are joining the campaign as Official Sands Partners for Baby Loss Awareness Week. Thanks to their support, we are able to reach more people affected by pregnancy or baby loss and let them know that together, we care. From fundraising with colleagues to turning their offices pink and blue - we are so grateful to Softcat and the NatWest Group for their ongoing commitment to raising awareness, supporting bereaved families, and saving babies’ lives.”

More Baby Loss Awareness Week activities across the UK
The theme for Baby Loss Awareness Week (BLAW) 2024 is ‘Together, we care’ and acknowledges that finding ways to nurture your mental and physical wellbeing is a vital part of anyone’s bereavement journey.

Many other charities, organisations and individuals are also creating Ribbon Displays across the UK during the Week, in addition to those made by Sands supporters and volunteers.

Throughout the Week, landmarks and buildings across the UK will be lit up pink and blue – the colours of Baby Loss Awareness Week - and people will be holding remembrance events in their hometowns to help raise awareness of the impact of pregnancy and baby loss, remember much-loved babies and open up conversations around this issue.

The Baby Loss Awareness Week website lists a wide range of organisations that provide support booklets and resources, signposting to different types of support, as well as resources for health professionals working with and supporting bereaved families.

The week will draw to a close at 7pm on 15 October when candles for all our babies gone too soon are left burning for one hour during the global Wave of Light, with many joining together online, creating a trending moment of connection and collective remembrance across the UK.

For more information visit: babyloss-awareness.org and follow #BLAW on social media.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Dance Base to celebrate 25th year in Grassmarket home

2026 represents a landmark year for Dance Base, Scotland’s National Centre for Dance, as the organisation celebrates 25 years in its purpose-built home in the heart of Edinburgh’s Grassmarket.

Edinburgh Zoo welcomes second rare sloth bear

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed a second male sloth bear, named Rajath.

Innis & Gunn unveils 1875 Arctic Ale in tribute to legendary North Pole expedition

A ‘KNOCK-OUT’ new beer has been unveiled inside an ice sculpture in Edinburgh to celebrate 150 years since the legendary North Pole expedition it was originally brewed for.

National Galleries of Scotland get their skates on to recreate iconic Skating Minister

To celebrate World Ice Skating Day on 14 December, the National Galleries of Scotland got their skates on to recreate one of the most iconic paintings, Sir Henry Raeburn’s Skating Minister.

Everyman presents Nationwide preview screenings of Sentimental Value

See the highly anticipated new comedy drama before anyone else, with preview screenings at Everyman cinemas nationwide.

Enlightenment an Immersive Experience set to transform McEwan Hall in Edinburgh

Swiss art collective PROJEKTIL brings its vivid light and sound show to Edinburgh from 31 January, following acclaimed runs in Glasgow, Liverpool and Leeds

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership bringing together Scotland's most celebrated writers and musicians!

Hogmanay celebrations at Lost Shore set to kick 2026 off with a bang

Lost Shore Surf Resort, Europe’s largest inland surf destination, is gearing up for a spectacular start to 2026 with a packed programme of festive events.

Chief Executive of The Scotch Whisky Experience awarded highest international honours in the whisky world

The Scotch Whisky Experience is proud to announce that Chief Executive Susan Morrison has been inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame,

DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events

DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.

Isaac McHale and Stuart Ralston Burns Night in Edinburgh

On Sunday 25th January, for one night only, Isaac McHale returns to his native Scotland for a Burns Night dinner with Stuart Ralston at his Michelin-starred Lyla.

Funded Debut Fringe for Scottish comedians returns for 2nd year

Scottish comedy producer Brass Tacks Comedy is once again offering one Scottish or Scotland-based comedian a funded Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut for 2026, supported by Red Bull UK.

Celebrate the New Year with a sparkling experience at The Ivy Edinburgh

With toasts to celebrate the new year breaking around the world, the experience is not to be missed!

Slice of kindness fuels staff at hub of Scottish charities

Staff at Norton Park in Leith, home to more than 20 charities, can now tuck into freshly made pizza with generous discounts, thanks to a local partnership with community-minded business, Pizza Geeks.

Big Fat Bingo of The Year shows announced

Christmas is coming in fast, and hot on its heels is the surreal, off-kilter period between Xmas and NYE... Bongo's Bingo have got just the tonic to help see out the final days of 2025!

Discover December Events at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From Christmas events to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in this festive season!

Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled

The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.

Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow

Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo appoints new Marketing Director

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has appointed Johna Penman as its Marketing Director, leading the organisation’s Brand, Box Office, Marketing and Communications functions.

Fingal Sails into Christmas Retaining Two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence

Christmas has come early for Scotland’s only five-star luxury floating hotel, Fingal, after retaining two prestigious Rosettes for culinary excellence

George Clooney returns to Edinburgh to speak at the 2026 British Business Awards and Social Bite Fundraising Dinner

The annual British Business Awards will take place on 30th April 2026 and will feature a special guest appearance and conversation with award-winning actor and humanitarian, George Clooney.

Helen Sharman and Hamza Yassin to appear at Edinburgh Science Festival 2026

The first British astronaut Helen Sharman and wildlife cameraman, presenter and author Hamza Yassin will headline Edinburgh Science Festival 2026 line-up.

10p pizzas from Civerinos as Deliveroo marks 10th Scottish anniversary

Raise a dram to a decade of Deliveroo: Civerinos and Deliveroo launch 10p pizzas to celebrate 10 years of feeding the people of Scotland.

Capital Theatres aims to share festive magic and wonder with a line up for everyone

Capital Theatres celebrates the festive season with entertainment for all ages, including enchanting magical family shows, world-class dance and a specially crafted Christmas Care Home Tour.

Lidl launching free gift wrapping stations across the UK

Lidl has unveiled its first-ever ‘Lidl Wrapped’ - a celebration of some of the nation's favourite buys, brought to life as limited-edition Christmas wrapping paper

Edinburgh brewery presents ultimate Christmas tipple for craft beer lovers

Christmas has come early for Scotland's beer fans following the release of a limited-edition craft ale from a leading Edinburgh microbrewery.

Meet Festive Film Favourites at Fort Kinnaird in December

Christmas is already in full swing at Fort Kinnaird, and the festivities are set to get even more magical as a line-up of much-loved characters visit the centre for the first time this December.

Edinburgh bar to raise Cash For Kids after Christmas nutcracker theft

Copper Blossom on George Street Edinburgh has launched a new festive cocktail in aid of a children’s charity following the theft of its eight-foot Christmas nutcracker statue.

Embrace the spirit of Christmas on International Volunteer Day

Christmas is a time for giving, and what better opportunity to discover new ways to give back to your community than on Friday 5th December, International Volunteer Day.

WIN! An Edinburgh Christmas Experience for 4

Heard the news? OMNi is inviting everyone to get into the festive spirit with an exclusive Christmas Prize Draw.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall

Biggest number of Sands Ribbon Displays ever for Baby Loss Awareness Week

Bereaved parents and families across Scotland remember together all those lives lost too soon.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings