By Isle of Wight Observer
Three Island women have been recognised with a national award for their efforts to support families affected by pregnancy and baby loss.
Kaylee Hargreaves, Sammy Bridges and Paris Kelynack, who volunteer with Isle of Wight Sands, were named winners of the Bel Mooney Award for Raising Awareness by the national Sands charity.
The award was presented during the Sands Volunteer Awards Ceremony, held as part of the Sands Garden Day at the National Memorial Arboretum on Saturday. The trio received an engraved trophy and certificate.
Kaylee, Sammy and Paris were praised for their work to re-establish the Isle of Wight Sands support group, enabling bereaved families on the Island to access vital local support. As part of their efforts, they organised the group’s first Starlight Walk – a memorial event for families to walk together under the night sky in memory of their babies.
Sammy said: “Volunteering with Sands has shown me just how powerful it can be to just listen. In those moments, we offer love, validation and the reminder that they are not alone.”
Sands CEO, Clea Harmer, said: “Volunteers are at the heart of our community. Kaylee, Sammy and Paris have made such a difference on the Isle of Wight, and this shone through in their nomination.”
Their award is named after Sands co-founder and patron, Bel Mooney, who helped launch the charity more than 45 years ago. She said: “Thank you to all three amazing volunteers for doing so much to break the silence around pregnancy and baby loss.”
