LAURIETON will once again host the Choosing Hope Walk, an event dedicated to honouring and remembering babies lost through miscarriage, stillbirth and infant death.
The walk will be held on Sunday 12 October at the Laurieton United Services Club (LUSC).
The community event offers bereaved families a chance to reflect, connect and find comfort among others who share similar experiences.
Following the walk, a remembrance service will be held where families can say their babies’ names out loud and place a flower and remembrance card in their honour.
In 2024, more than 120 families and friends from across the Mid North Coast gathered in Laurieton for the event.
Organisers expect this year’s walk to once again bring the community together in support and remembrance.
Local coordinator Michelle Freeman from Simplicity Funerals Laurieton, said the event is a vital part of community healing.
“The Choosing Hope Walk provides a safe space for families to gather, reflect, and find comfort in the knowledge that they are not alone.
“It is about remembrance, but it is also about connection and healing,” she said.
The walk supports Bears of Hope Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support, a national organisation that provides early and ongoing care for families who experience the loss of a baby during pregnancy or infancy.
Abby Dante, a spokesperson for the event, said it is an important opportunity to acknowledge the scale of loss that too often goes unseen.
“Every day in Australia six babies are stillborn, three die before their first birthday, and a miscarriage occurs every three and a half minutes.
“On average, one in four pregnancies ends in loss.
“Choosing Hope is about recognising those families and ensuring they know they are not alone.”
Organisers have encouraged the community to register early, highlighting that ticket sales are vital to ensuring the walk can continue to provide meaningful support.
Special corporate team discounts are also available for businesses or community groups wishing to take part.
Registrations are online at laurieton.choosinghope.com.au.
By Luke HADFIELD
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