Selby couple who lost twin daughters lead baby loss awareness campaign

Hayley and Neil Patrick-Copeland, whose twin daughters were stillborn, are leading efforts to raise awareness during Baby Loss Awareness Week (Image: Hayley Patrick-Copeland)

A couple from near Selby, whose twin daughters were stillborn, are leading efforts to raise awareness during Baby Loss Awareness Week.

Hayley and Neil Patrick-Copeland lost their daughters Alya and Aleah in August 2022.

Since then, they have dedicated themselves to supporting others and breaking the silence around baby loss.

Their campaigns include ribbon displays outside Escrick Church, on the A19, and on the railings outside Selby Abbey, each featuring names, dates, and messages for babies who have died.

Mrs Patrick-Copeland said: "We are hosting ribbon displays outside Escrick Church on the A19 and on the railings outside Selby Abbey this year, featuring ribbons with babies' names, dates, and messages on.

"We also have one on the railings outside our home each year, and Friends of Huntington Cemetery have organised a beautiful display with the ribbons we gave them again this year too."

The couple has seen growing support from businesses and organisations, including Morrisons in Selby, Minster Alarms, Huntington WMC, and the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust.

She said: "We provide memorial displays and have been delivering ribbons to organisations so that they can show their support to customers and staff.

"It’s estimated that 1 in 4 pregnancies end in loss, so sadly many people know this heartbreak."

They encourage people to wear pink and blue, display ribbons or pin badges, or light up buildings in the awareness colours.

She added: "Thank you so much to everyone who has taken the time to join us this year; it truly means such a lot.

"We will continue to do the best we can in memory of our beautiful girls.

"We hope people in the baby loss community who see the displays and acts of support with the colours feel less alone and as though their babies are being acknowledged, remembered, and honoured.

"We hope it will open conversations too, for those who aren’t part of the community also, as it’s important we continue to spread awareness and create space where we feel able to share and learn from each other.

"We miss our girls so much but hope we’re doing them proud."

If anyone else would like their baby or babies included in the displays, or any organisations or businesses would like to get involved, please contact Hayley on 07800865214.