Events are taking place this week as part of Baby Loss Awareness Week

There are a number of activities taking place over the next week as part of Baby Loss Awareness Week.

Events hope to encourage those affected by baby loss to start the difficult conversation with other bereaved families and friends to commemorate their babies' lives.

Hazel Millns, of Bromley Avenue, Newark, suffered a miscarriage in the past and was instrumental in plans to have a memory tree in the Buttermarket and light up Newark Castle for the national week.

Hazel said before she had her experience of baby loss that she was naive and did not understand her situation.

She said she wanted to help others make sense of the difficult time by organising events during the week, and encouraging sufferers to get together and share their memories.

"When I had my experience I was very naive did not know a lot of things about having a miscarriage, and I ended up having a breakdown," said Hazel.

"I was told there was no heart beat and was taken into hospital to be induced.

"But I have come through the other side because of the Miscarriage Association, they helped me a lot.

"Baby loss awareness is something that needs to be talked about, so lets get the message out there."

Newark Castle is set to be lit up in pink and blue from Wednesday for a whole week, which aims to spark conversation in families.

There will also be a memory tree in the Buttermarket where pink and blue ribbons will be available to write messages before tying it on the tree.

The tree will be available from Friday at 11am and there will be a small gathering for anyone affected and to mark its launch.

Support information will be available from the Miscarriage Association.

The Turquoise Tea Pot Cafe is to donate a cake and the Sure Mind Foundation will provide tea and coffee to anyone who wishes to stay and chat.

Also in support of Baby Loss Awareness Week is Newark Parish Church which is putting on the Wave of Light event on Tuesday from 7pm.

Hosted by Rev David Pickersgill, priest-in-charge, families are invited to light candles in memory of those who lit up lives for such a short time.