Jade Blaney is the Norfolk ambassador of early pregnancy loss charity, CRADLE. Here she explains why King’s Lynn Town Hall and Alive Corn Exchange will be lit up this evening and why it will mean so much to her and other bereaved parents.
‘There seems to be this unwritten rule where you don’t tell anyone you’re expecting until you’re past the 12 week mark, just in case ‘something happens’, says Jade Blaney, Norfolk ambassador for CRADLE, an early pregnancy loss charity.
‘The trouble with that is, when something does happen, no-one knows you need help, comfort or support, and in turn you feel completely alone. Which is what happened to me when I miscarried at 10 weeks in March 2019.
‘While I was searching for support, I came across CRADLE and quickly realised I wasn’t alone at all and there was this wonderful network of women who ‘get it’ and – not only that – are helping other women through the same heartache they’ve experienced themselves.
Jade adds: ‘I instantly knew I wanted to be involved, so I contacted CRADLE Founder Louise Zeniou who then invited me to join the Norfolk team to support the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn, which is where I had my loss.’
And her involvement has led to two iconic King’s Lynn buildings being lit up pink and blue from dusk this evening (Thursday October 15), to draw attention to Baby Loss Awareness Week.
As a result of Jade contacting her local councillor, King’s Lynn Town Hall and Alive Corn Exchange will be helping to raise awareness about baby and pregnancy loss in the UK.
Cllr Josie Ratcliffe says: ‘I believe it’s important to raise awareness and break the taboo of baby loss and I’m delighted that the Borough Council and Alive West Norfolk are supporting this request.’
CRADLE is part of the Baby Loss Awareness Alliance and works with the NHS to support women and their partners before, during or following pregnancy loss.
Jade adds: ‘I knew instantly that I wanted to put my pain to purpose and be involved in supporting other women through this heartbreak and help to break the taboo surrounding baby loss.
‘I’m so pleased the Town Hall and Corn Exchange will be participating in the illumination. It means so much to me, and all bereaved parents.’
A worthy charity.
Well done Jade!