The D&G Baby Loss Awareness group was set up by Lauren Brydson, 26, who has sadly suffered two miscarriages and lost two premature babies, Taylor in 2016 and Robbie this March.
Supported by husband Chris, mum Jill Cameron and good friends Karen Little, Becky Little, Lindsay Temlett, Rachael Brown and Nicole Clark, she hopes to raise £18,000 to create a memorial tree.
Lauren said: “We are a group of local women who are fundraising to get a memorial tree within Dumfries and Galloway.
“This tree will be a metal sculpture which provides bereaved parents the opportunity to engrave a leaf for their little ones who were taken too soon.
“The tree is designed to raise awareness of miscarriage, still births and neonatal deaths and to provide grieving parents and families a place of tranquility.”
She added: “We also hope that the tree encourages conversation about this very difficult but unfortunately common issue.
“We have meetings planned with both the SANDS and SIMBA charities and hope we can work with both to make our vision a reality.
“After brief discussions with SIMBA we know we will need at least £18,000 for the tree, the leaves and the lifelong maintenance.”
The group also hope to raise enough money to provide benches near the tree as a place of reflection for families.
To fund the memorial the team have organised a ball this October – which sold out within days.
Meanwhile, a race night is planned this summer and a host of smaller fundraisers will take place across the region.
Anyone wishing to donate can get in touch with Lauren through the D&G Baby Loss Awareness Facebook page.
