THE HIGH Sheriff of the West Midlands, Doug Wright took time to see the hard work that goes on at the Lily Mae Foundation.
Mr Wright was able to see firsthand the charity’s work it carries out to support families who have experienced the devastating loss of a baby and how these have changed over the years.
A highlight of the visit was the High Sheriff’s participation in assembling one of the Memory Boxes.
These boxes are a crucial part of the Foundation’s support, offering comfort and treasured keepsakes to help bereaved parents through their grief.
The Memory Boxes allow the parents to collect memories and precious items and store them. They include vouchers for jewellery engraving, candles, clay print kit, ink print kit, photo frames, books, and two teddy bears.
Over the years the Lily Mae Foundation has donated over 25,000 memory boxes to bereaved parents through their 14 partner hospitals that they support including Heartlands Hospital, University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire and Warwick Hospital.
Amy and Ryan Jackson, founders of the charity said: “His involvement underscored the profound impact these boxes have on bereaved families.
“We were able to discuss with Doug every precious item included in the Memory Boxes and the significance they hold for grieving families.
“In addition to the Memory Boxes, we discussed the breadth of our support services, including our Baby Loss Support Groups, Pregnancy After Loss and Rainbow Baby Groups, and our Still Parents podcast, which provides a voice for bereaved fathers. The High Sheriff’s genuine interest and encouragement affirmed the vital role these services play.
“We are incredibly grateful for the High Sheriff’s visit.
“It not only highlighted our mission but also reinforced our dedication to ensuring bereaved families receive the crucial support they need after the devastating loss of a baby.”
The Balsall Common based charity was handed a West Midlands High Sheriff Award from Mr Wright at the end of last year.
The award recognises and celebrates the work of individuals and organisations within the County who have made outstanding contributions to the community.
Amy and Ryan set up the charity after their daughter, Lily Mae, was born sleeping in 2010 at Solihull Hospital.
