Publish date: 10 March 2025
Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals Charity (WHH Charity) has launched an appeal to raise £200,000 to create the Willow Tree Hub – a dedicated space providing comfort, privacy and specialist support for families coping with the heartbreaking loss of a baby.
Each family’s pregnancy journey is unique, but for those experiencing baby loss or recovering from a traumatic birth it can be overwhelming, particularly in a busy hospital setting.
Families may be told devastating news in rooms where they can hear women in labour and babies’ newborn cries. Returning for follow-up care can also be extremely distressing and a reminder of their past experience.
The Willow Tree Hub will provide a calm and private space where families can grieve, reflect, and receive the help and guidance they need in a compassionate and supportive setting.
The hub will also be home to a specialist rainbow clinic to support families navigating a pregnancy after loss. Parents who have previously experienced stillbirth or neonatal loss often face heightened anxiety and fear. The clinic will provide specialist monitoring and emotional support, helping families feel reassured and cared for every step of the way.
Sarah Nuttie, Consultant Midwife at WHH, said: “For families who have experienced baby loss, having a dedicated space for bereavement support is vital. The Willow Tree Hub will provide a safe and private environment away from clinical settings, allowing families to grieve and heal in their own time. It will also offer additional care and reassurance to families navigating a pregnancy after loss, helping them feel supported both emotionally and clinically.”
The Willow Tree Hub, to be constructed in the grounds of Warrington Hospital just outside the Maternity Department, has been designed to create a welcoming and tranquil environment:
- Inside – a comfortable and peaceful space for bereavement counselling and support sessions.
- Outside – a serene garden with wildflowers, solar lighting and seating, offering a place for reflection and remembrance.
The name Willow Tree symbolises resilience, mourning, and the enduring strength of love and family during life’s most difficult moments.
How you can help
Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals Charity (WHH Charity) is calling on the community to help bring this vision to life. Every donation will go directly toward creating this much-needed space for families.
Helen Higginson, Head of Fundraising for WHH Charity, said: “The Willow Tree Hub will enhance the already compassionate care provided at our hospitals by giving families a dedicated, private space designed with their needs in mind.
“This project is about creating an environment that offers comfort and support during incredibly difficult times. With the help of our community, we can make a meaningful difference to families experiencing loss.”
To donate, visit the dedicated JustGiving page. For more information or to get involved, contact the Fundraising Team at 01925 662666 or email whh
