Footprints Baby Loss is 2!

Footprints Baby Loss Twin & Triplet Support turns two on Friday 23rd January 2025. As we look back, we can hardly believe how much has been achieved in just two years. What began with a small group of parents with shared lived experience of twin and triplet loss has grown into such a large and supportive community including families from all over the world. It has been a real privilege to meet and connect with so many parents affected by the loss of one or more of their twins or triplets.

The death of a baby or babies from a twin or triplet pregnancy, whether before or after birth, is devastating. It is physical, it is real, it is deeply emotional and it changes that family’s path forever. The shock and trauma around this unique kind of loss can leave individuals and families feeling really isolated and lost.

Over the past two years we have spoken with families, listened to their experiences, sat with them in their grief, validated their feelings, gently guided them, and helped give them hope for their future. In essence, we have worked together to create understanding and support.

Gloria, mum to twins Michael and Ariella – Michael died during birth and Ariella is a surviving twin – said

“The lady who took my call that late, late winter night told me about this new charity Footprints. After looking online and reading everything on their website, I reached out and almost a year later I still find myself trying [to come to terms with what happened] and I’m indescribably grateful.”

Footprints has also worked closely with healthcare professionals from all over the UK helping them to understand the unique and subtle but important differences that exist when they look after a family affected by twin or triplet loss. We are passionate about supporting and educating healthcare professionals where we can as well as influencing high level changes in bereavement care within the NHS and making sure the voices of our community are represented.

Alongside this, our community has taken part in fundraising events including climbing Ben Nevis, walking 50k through London, Miles in March, Baking for Baby Loss, dragon boat racing and many more. Each step, bake and paddle has helped ensure that bereaved parents are not facing their journey alone.

At the heart of everything we do is lived experience. We are deeply grateful to our volunteers and trustees who support Suzie, Sharon and the Footprints team in so many ways, and who help ensure our work is compassionate, thoughtful and parent-led. We know firsthand the difference it can make to connect with others who truly understand, and peer support continues to be central to our charity.

Libby, mum to twins Ada and Margo, Ada died just before their premature birth and Margo spent 120 days in neonatal care. Libby, a new volunteer for Footprints Baby Loss, said

“My befriender helped me and understood me in a way no one else could. She continues to support me. I hope to be able to provide that support for someone sadly in a similar position.”

We are also incredibly thankful for the support and collaboration of our partner charities. Our thanks go to Stephanie from TAPS Support, Millie from The Skye High Foundation, Kate and Gail from Loss Books, and to our healthcare professional advisors Dr Nick Embleton, Sam Collinge and Angelo Cavalero. We are grateful too for the continued encouragement from so many other baby loss charities, including Leanne from Aching Arms, and many others who support us. We continue to be supported by Fieldfisher and would especially like to thank Marcos and Caron, who we have come to know well over the past two years.

This year, we were honoured to welcome our first ambassador, Donna Ockenden, and we have already valued the opportunity to work alongside her and her team, and learn from her experience.

To mark our second birthday, we are really proud to share our Impact Report. This reflects the difference that specialist twin and triplet loss support can make, and we thank everyone who has been part of our journey so far.

Click on the Impact Report Image below to read the full report.