An outdoor service today (Friday 23 May) has seen the unveiling of a memorial garden in Kendal dedicated to families who’ve experienced child loss in any form.

The garden, at Parkside Cemetery, will provide a place of remembrance and reflection for anyone who’s experienced child or baby loss, pre or post birth.

It was officially opened at a special memorial service attended by families, community groups, representatives of all faiths and the council and which was led by the Bishop of Carlisle Designate, the Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh.

Whilst the service remembered all those affected by child loss, it had been called for by some of those people affected by accounts of historical abuse which centre on the Diocese of Carlisle’s former St Monica’s Maternity Home, which closed in 1970.

Bishop Rob, who gave the homily and dedicated the memorial, said: “I want to thank all those people for whom this memorial garden has been a vision and who have worked tirelessly to see this come to be. The grief through child loss is unimaginable, and my heartfelt prayers are with all those who have experience of this.

“I also recognise the deep hurt of people who bravely came forward with accounts of historical abuse which centre on the former St Monica’s Maternity Home. We know that children who were born at St Monica’s are buried in this cemetery. It was shocking to hear the accounts of neglect, pain and suffering. We are truly sorry.

“I particularly want to pay tribute to Stephen Hindley who has lived experience of the trauma caused by child loss. It has been an honour to work alongside him. Our thanks also go to those at Westmorland and Furness Council who have supported the work around the memorial garden. My prayer is that people find this a place through which they can reflect upon, honour and celebrate the lives of all those babies and infants who sadly did not live.”

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Jonathan Brook, was also in attendance and gave a tribute as part of the service.

He said: “Today we joined together at Kendal Parkside Road Cemetery, for a memorial service and the unveiling of a special memorial garden, created to honour and remember all babies, children, and young people whose lives were tragically lost, providing a space for collective mourning, reflection, and healing.

“This gathering was a time to acknowledge the lives of all children, babies and young people who’ve lost their lives too soon and an opportunity to offer prayers, and ensure they are never forgotten.We came together in love, remembrance, and unity to provide them the dignity and recognition they deserve.

“I would like to say a special thank you to Stephen Hindley, whose own family was impacted by child loss. He has campaigned for almost two decades to ensure the experiences of his family and those of many other families were heard. We’ve worked closely with Stephen to make sure we recognise his loss and the families he’s campaigned for and delivered a place where anyone affected by child loss can go and remember their loved ones for generations to come. He should be so proud of all he’s achieved.”

ENDS

For further information contact Dave Roberts, Diocesan Head of Communications, on 07469 153658 or at communications@carlislediocese.org.uk.