Northern Trust to honour babies lost with remembrance services and candlelit walk
Friday 09 October 2026
Families who have experienced the loss of a baby or child are being invited to come together for a series of remembrance events across the Northern Health and Social Care Trust area during Baby Loss Awareness Week, from 9–15 October.
Causeway Hospital in Coleraine will be illuminated in blue and pink to mark the annual awareness campaign, which offers families opportunities to remember precious lives, share memories and find support.
Events include a special remembrance service in Portrush, butterfly remembrance walls at Causeway and Antrim Area hospitals, and a candlelit memory walk in Antrim.
Service of Remembrance in Portrush
A Service of Remembrance will take place at Portrush Methodist Church on Sunday 11 October at 3pm.
The service is open to anyone who has experienced pregnancy loss or the death of a baby or child, including parents, grandparents, siblings and extended family members.
A tree of remembrance will provide an opportunity to honour loved ones, while families will also be able to view the book of remembrance.
Butterfly remembrance walls at local hospitals
Families will be invited to place butterflies on special remembrance walls as symbols of love and remembrance.
The walls will be available at the following locations and times:
• Monday 12 October – Causeway Hospital, Coleraine, outside the main entrance, 11.30am–1.30pm and 6pm–7.30pm.
• Tuesday 13 October – Antrim Area Hospital, Garden of Remembrance at Bush House, 2pm–3.30pm and 6pm–7.30pm.
Anyone affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby or child is welcome to participate.
Wave of Light Memory Walk in Antrim
A special Wave of Light Memory Walk will take place on Thursday 15 October at the Garden of Remembrance, Bush House, Antrim Area Hospital.
Participants are asked to meet at Bush House car park at 6.45pm, ahead of the walk beginning at 7pm.
Small LED candles will be provided to everyone taking part, creating a shared moment of remembrance for babies and children who have died.
Families can also request that their baby's name be included during the event, even if they are unable to attend.
Requests should be emailed to Bereavement.SupportMidwife@northerntrust.hscni.net before 5pm on Wednesday 14 October. The same address can be used for questions about the event.
A chance to remember precious lives
Northern Trust Bereavement Support Midwife Lesley-Ann Kennedy said the annual campaign provides an important opportunity for families to come together and acknowledge their experiences.
“The loss of a baby is something that stays with families forever.
“Baby Loss Awareness Week provides an important opportunity to come together, remember precious lives and recognise the experiences of those who have been affected.
“We would encourage parents, grandparents, siblings and extended family members to take part in the events planned throughout the week. We hope they offer a chance to reflect, share memories and find comfort in knowing that these babies are remembered and will never be forgotten.”
Bereavement support for families
Lesley-Ann provides additional support to women and families who have experienced bereavement at any stage while receiving care through the Northern Trust's maternity, gynaecology, neonatal or community services.
Those seeking help or advice can refer themselves directly or ask their midwife, nurse, community midwife, health visitor or GP for assistance.
Further information about maternity bereavement support is available on the Northern Trust website.
Throughout Baby Loss Awareness Week, the remembrance events will offer families across the Northern Trust area a place to honour their babies and children, whether their loss was recent or many years ago, and an opportunity to remember together.
