Centre for Trials Research joins call for greater support around infant loss

Cardiff University’s Centre for Trials Research joined a call for greater support for families around infant loss at an event organised by the Luna’s Light Appeal in Cardiff.

Skye & Luna – A Children’s Book on Baby Loss by Philippa Atkins is a much-needed resource for families who have experienced stillbirth or infant loss. The book is inspired by Philippa’s daughter Luna, who tragically passed away at just a few days old. 

The event brought together policymakers, researchers, bereavement specialists and families to hear more about the appeal’s mission: to make the book freely available via hospitals, schools and libraries across the UK, so no family faces the devastating loss of a young child alone. 

Centre for Trials Research is supporting Luna’s Light with governance, institutional backing and support to connect with wider networks and charities, as part of its maternal and child health programme, led by centre Director Professor Mike Robling.

According to baby loss charity Sands, 13 babies die shortly before, during or after birth each day in the UK. Speaking at the event, Philippa said, “Our story is the same as so many families up and down the country, but society doesn’t know how to discuss this topic. Let’s enable families to talk about their lost children, who are most at risk of being forgotten as their lives were so short.”

Gail Duffy, a counsellor and therapist who specialises in baby loss, explained the impact of bereavement support, adding: 

Research consistently shows open communication and compassionate listening help healing. So many studies show talking matters around death. Children who have someone to talk to after a death have significantly more resilience and less long-term psychological distress, and parents feel less isolated.”

Professor Robling said, 

As a Centre, we are immensely proud to have worked with Philippa and her team in their mission to support families and children who experience baby loss. Opening up the conversation with Skye & Luna, enabling families, friends and colleagues to share and explore their experiences meets a need that is sadly too often left unaddressed. I have no doubt that the lives of parents, siblings and those close to them will only benefit from the work of Philippa and her team. 

“My belief comes in part because I am also Philippa’s stepfather and Luna’s grandpa. I am both humbled and inspired by Philippa’s courage, creativity and resolve to take the trauma of her own loss to help others. This is a story that must be shared and a conversation that must be had, so that more light may shine for families amidst the darkness of their own stories.”

Read more about the Luna’s Light Appeal.