Sands Memorial Day

Saturday 26th June was bright and sunny and saw 12 members of the group travel up to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire for the Sands Annual Memorial Service. We were ably driven by our very own co-chair Rich Jones. Many thanks Rich for getting us there and back. It was very much appreciated. We arrived just after 12 o clock and enjoyed our picnic in the beautiful surroundings. It was such a lovely place to remember our little ones.

The Sands memorial garden was established in 2000 by Jon Stokes and is such a beautiful and tranquil place for remembering and quiet reflection. On entering there was a pathway that was lined with many remembrance stones, hand decorated by family and friends who have been touched by the loss of a little one. It was a very sad and emotional time as we laid our pebbles in memory of our precious babies.


It was then time for the Memorial service, which took place in the Millennium Chapel and was also broadcast outside on loud speakers. It was a most beautiful service and a fitting tribute to our loved ones. There wasn’t a dry eye to be seen and the combination of talks, readings and Hymns were very moving.

We then moved back to the Sands garden for a reading and an act of dedication and we were all given a single yellow rose to place on the Sands statue.


After a very emotional day we headed back about 5 o’clock. The journey back was rather more subdued as everyone was remembering their beautiful little babies, never ever forgotten and always in our hearts. xxxx