Wave of Light

Hi, I’m just getting in touch from In Sofia’s Footsteps ?

We set the page up in September after losing our baby girl, Sofia, during pregnancy. It really started from a little spark of wanting to do something positive in her memory, but it has already grown into something that means so much more to us.

A big part of that spark came from seeing the work of Ár Réaltaí Beaga and their We Carry a Star initiative. Ballyholland were taking part in it, which led me to their page and got me thinking about how we could do something locally too.

From there, the idea for our own Wave of Light event started to grow, and Ballyholland have been such a massive part of making it happen. They’ve supported us from the beginning and have really helped with the planning, so we’re so grateful to have the club behind us and to be able to hold the event there.

For Baby Loss Awareness Week, we’re taking part in the Wave of Light and holding an event at Ballyholland GAC on 15th October from 6:30pm, with everyone lighting their candles together at 7pm in memory of babies and young children gone too soon.

From what we can see, it’s the only event taking part in the Wave of Light in the Newry area at the moment, with the closest events being in Armagh and Lurgan. We’d really love to get the word out locally so families know there is somewhere close to home that they can come along to.

We really hope the night gives families a chance to remember their babies, say their names and feel a little less alone. Even if it only gives someone a small bit of comfort, that would mean so much to us.

One thing we’ve found since losing Sofia is just how little baby loss is spoken about, even though so many families are affected by it. A big part of In Sofia’s Footsteps is trying to get people talking more. Words can be such a powerful thing, and sometimes just hearing someone say your baby’s name or acknowledge what you’ve been through can mean more than people realise.

The event is open to anyone who would like to come along, whether they have experienced baby loss themselves, are coming to remember someone special, or simply want to stand alongside and support other families.

Also, just to add one thing I forgot to mention in my first message and form. I can complete it again if necessary. 

Alongside the Ballyholland event, we’ve also been reaching out to businesses, clubs and organisations right across Northern Ireland and encouraging them to take part in the Wave of Light on 15th October.

At the minute we have 46 businesses and organisations taking part, with at least one in every county in Northern Ireland, which has been really special to see. We also currently have 14 families and individuals registered to take part from home or in their own communities.

People are getting involved in different ways, from lighting buildings and windows pink and blue, to lighting candles, running small awareness activities or simply sharing the campaign.

We’re still hoping to get even more businesses, organisations and families involved, so if that’s something you could mention too, we’d really appreciate it 

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