10 August 2009
A charity golf day organised by two Sheffield businesses raised more than £600 for an annual memorial service for bereaved parents who have lost their baby.
John Fairest Funeral Homes and Grenoside Crematorium put on the event at Hillsborough Golf Club in June to raise money for the service run by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's Jessop Wing.
Steve Willis, Manager at John Fairest Funeral Homes, said they decided to raise the money for the memorial service because it was a very important event.
He said: "We always look to raise money for things which matter to the people of Sheffield and the memorial service is very important for many people in our community."
The idea for the special service was suggested in 1998 after a mother who had lost her baby during pregnancy approached the Jessop Wing to look at the possibility of staging some kind of memorial service.
Since then the event has been held every year, with bereaved parents being closely involved in its planning to ensure the service truly reflects the thoughts and feelings of families who have experienced the loss of a baby.
Bernie Stephens, Bereavement and Operational and Manager at the Jessop Wing, said: "This service fulfils a very important role for parents and relatives who have lost a baby. It is important that they have the opportunity to come and take part and have the chance to mark their loss. We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part in the fundraising event."
For more information about the service call Bernie Stephens on 0114 2268425