A journey with Abigail's Footsteps

From The Beginning

Episode Summary

Abigail’s Footsteps Co-Founder, Jo Ward talks about her personal experience, and how Abigail’s Place was created. Lynne Sheridan and Karen McIntyre, Abigail's Trustees, talk about the importance of Abigail’s Place.

Episode Notes

A JOURNEY WITH ABIGAIL'S FOOTSTEPS - SERIES 2 

Episode 1 - Abigail's Footsteps: From The Beginning 

In this episode of A Journey with Abigail's Footsteps, Nicola Everett, an ambassador for the baby loss charity Abigail’s Footsteps, introduces the second series. The podcast aims to highlight the significant impact that Abigail’s Footsteps has made on families across the UK. 

Interview with Jo Ward 

• Jo Ward, mother of Abigail and co-founder of Abigail’s Footsteps.
• Emotional recounting of losing her daughter at 41 weeks.
• Lack of adequate hospital support led to founding the charity.

Evolution and Impact

• From a local initiative to a national organisation.
• Provision of cold cots to hospitals allowing bereaved parents time with their babies.

Establishment of Abigail’s Place

• Bereavement suite at Medway Maritime Hospital named after Abigail.
  • Facilities include bedroom, living room, kitchen, and office space for medical procedures.

Support Services

Counselling services and specialist bereavement training for healthcare professionals provided by the charity.

Lynne Sheridan and Karen McIntyre discuss:

• Initial discussions leading to trust-wide support for creating comforting environments like Abigail's Place.
• Securing hospital space into homely environments offering dignity to grieving families.