A 14-year-old has crocheted a beautiful post box topper to help raise awareness of Baby Loss Awareness week which took place from 9 – 15th October.
A special post box topper was unveiled on Sunday 10th October by the creator Milehn Bansal, who was joined by a member of charity SANDS and local couple Raj and Sharan.
Milehn Bansal crocheted the post box topper inspired by a West Bridgford couple who sadly lost their baby boy Riaan, who passed away at just 7 months. Since their loss, Raj and Sharan Chagger have raised over £20,000 and become advocates for ‘National Deaf Children’s Society’ as Riaan was born with hearing loss and other congenital health problems. They’re also dedicating to supporting Baby Loss Awareness.
Riaan’s parents, Raj & Sharan shared, “As recently bereaved parents, Baby Loss Awareness Week brings mixed emotions. On one hand, it is so sad that such a week has to exist, and even more heartbreaking for us is that our baby is one of far too many that were gone too soon. But, with baby loss being such a difficult journey to navigate through, it is really important that the support is there for those that need it.
“Baby loss awareness week is an opportunity to support bereaved parents and families, to raise awareness of baby loss and to promote improvements in care to anyone impacted. Since losing Riaan we have committed to providing that support to others and raising awareness on what is a very sensitive and challenging area.
“It can sometimes feel like you are the only ones in the world that have had to endure this, now we have a chance to unite with others across the world to make a difference.”
Maxine, who is the Chair of Nottinghamshire SANDS said, “Baby Loss Awareness Week is about breaking the stigma around baby loss, it’s about raising awareness around what is still a taboo subject despite the statistics.
“At Nottinghamshire Sands, everything we do is about supporting the bereaved families of Nottinghamshire and in raising awareness. I am delighted to be here today to stand with you all as a face of baby loss, to unite with you and to break this taboo. I do this carrying my own daughter in my heart and with her giving me the strength.
“The biggest thank you to you for supporting Nottinghamshire Sands Baby Loss Awareness Week project and in remembering such a special little boy.”
Milehn aged 14 who crocheted the PostBox Topper said, “During lockdown I learnt how to crochet because I needed to learn a new skill for my Duke of Edinburgh Award. My parents told me about baby loss awareness week and my mum suggested that I should crochet a post box topper because we know Raj and Sharon who lost their little boy last year who was 7 months old.”