Wave of Light

In Sofia’s Footsteps was created in September after we lost our baby girl, Sofia, during pregnancy.

It 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 Ballyholland taking part in Ár Réaltaí Beaga’s We Carry a Star initiative. That led me to Ár Réaltaí Beaga’s page, where I saw more of the work they were doing and it 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’ll be taking part in the Wave of Light at Ballyholland GAC on 15th October.

People are welcome to arrive 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 currently the only Wave of Light event taking place in the Newry area, with the closest events being in Armagh and Lurgan. We really wanted to create somewhere close to home where families could come together, remember their babies, say their names and feel a little less alone.

The event is open to everyone. Whether you have experienced baby loss yourself, are coming to remember someone special, are supporting a friend or family member, or simply want to stand alongside families in our community, you are more than welcome to join us.

Tea and coffee will also be available afterwards in the Ballyholland club rooms, giving people the chance to stay, chat and spend some time together after the candle lighting.

Alongside the Ballyholland event, In Sofia’s Footsteps has also been encouraging businesses, clubs, organisations, families and individuals right across Northern Ireland to take part in the Wave of Light in their own way.

The response has already been really special, with support coming from across all six counties. Businesses and organisations are getting involved in lots of different ways, from lighting buildings and windows pink and blue, to themed gym classes, speciality coffees, staff wearing pink and blue, lighting candles and helping us spread the message.

One of the biggest things 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 simply hearing someone say your baby’s name or acknowledge what you’ve been through can mean more than people realise.

We hope that both the Ballyholland event and the wider Wave of Light campaign across Northern Ireland can help raise awareness, start conversations and give families even a small bit of comfort in knowing that they and their babies are remembered.

In Sofia’s Footsteps Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/insofiasfootsteps?stkn=d2ltMjdwb3ZmNHJm&utm_source=qr

Ballyholland GAC Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1JQMYPqPmP/?mibextid=wwXIfr