Couple open town's baby memorial garden

A bereaved couple who went through the heartbreak of a miscarriage have opened a baby memorial garden.

Shaun Pickering and Katie Stuart, who lost their baby Sky in September 2024, cut the ribbon at Little Footprints in the Sky, based in Jubilee Woods at Dawley Bank, Telford, on Saturday.

It was developed after they created the Pickering Foundation charity shortly after Sky died, with the aim of raising enough money to open the memorial.

Pickering said anyone could visit the garden to see what had been created, or "simply to spend a moment in remembrance".

"Our hope is that this memorial garden offers comfort to all families who have experienced pregnancy loss, at any stage," he said.

"Set within a peaceful woodland, surrounded by nature and wildlife, it provides a quiet place to reflect, remember, and feel close to loved ones."

The father thanked local organisations, including Love From George and Ada's Foundation, as well as Great Dawley Town Council, for their help in bringing the project to life.

"We truly hope this garden brings comfort, peace and a place of remembrance for families across our community," he added.

Pickering previously said the project had given him and his partner "something to focus on" after their loss and it had been "nice to come out knowing we're going to make a difference".

The garden includes a metal tree at its centre, which has leaves each dedicated to a family that has lost a baby.

"It isn't something you can prepare for, because it's not something you'd expect," he said.

"This is hopefully going to give people who've gone through that some sort of peace and somewhere to come and take some time out."

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