Local bereaved mums win Support Awards at national baby loss charity
Volunteers and bereaved mums Hayley Vallance from Narberth and Astra Shipton from Carmarthen have both been named as the winners of a Support Award by the pregnancy and baby loss charity Sands.
The Support Award is given to someone who has ‘made a difference to people through the support they offered and consistently give high quality support to bereaved families.’
Hayley and Astra, who both volunteer with Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire Sands, each won a Support Award after being nominated by their peers for ‘providing support to bereaved families across three counties, as well as her work to promote that support locally and nationally.’
‘For the care, consideration, and dedication she shows to bereaved families in her area, all while managing her busy life outside of her volunteering with Sands.’
‘And for the support she provides as a group, organising massage sessions for bereaved parents, and setting up a local Starlight Walk.’
The Sands Volunteer Awards Ceremony was held at the Sands Garden Day, at the National Memorial Arboretum on Saturday, 22 June.
All attendees were presented with an engraved trophy and a certificate signed by Sands Chief Executive Clea Harmer and Director of Volunteering and Bereavement Support Jen Coates.
Sands’ Director of Volunteering and Bereavement Support Jen Coates said: “Our work to save babies’ lives and support bereaved families would not be possible without the commitment and generosity of our wonderful volunteers.
“Astra and Hayley’s dedication to making a difference shone through in their nominations and I am delighted that they have been recognised by their fellow volunteers and Sands staff members.
“Thank you to everyone who nominated a Volunteer for an award. We had so many amazing nominations come through, from all across the UK. And a special thank you to the Volunteers who were part of the nomination board, who helped choose the winners for 2024.”
Find out more about volunteering with Sands at www.sands.org.uk/volunteering
Anyone affected by pregnancy or baby loss who needs the support of Sands can find more information at www.sands.org.uk/support
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