More than 50 bereaved families attend Athlone remembrance event

More than fifty families who were bereaved by the death of a child gathered for a remembrance event held in Athlone's Hodson Bay Hotel yesterday (Sunday) morning.

The service was organised by the national charities Anam Cara and Féileacáin.

Anam Cara is open to all bereaved parents, regardless of the age at which their child died, or the circumstances of the death, while Féileacáin provides support to those affected by the death of a baby during or after pregnancy.

Traditionally November is a month when families in Ireland remember loved ones no longer with us.

Sunday's remembrance service in the Hodson Bay Hotel saw parents, siblings and grandparents commemorate and remember their precious baby, child, or grandchild who has died.

Anam Cara's Service Manager Sharon Vard commented: "The death of a child of any age, baby though to an adult child is not the natural order of life, it is uniquely devastating for every Mam and Dad, brother or sister.

"Coming together at a Remembrance Service like this, gives families some solace and comfort, knowing they are not alone, there are others who understand."

Féileacáin’s Operations Manager Mark Millard described the service as "a very special and gentle" event which united families which had experienced "the ultimate tragedy, the death of a precious baby or child".

"We are delighted to join with Anam Cara to give families this opportunity to remember together, at what is a tough time of year," he added.

Contact details:

Anam Cara: (085) 2888 888, or email info@anamcara.ie.

Féileacáin: (085) 249 6464, or email admin@feileacain.ie