A baby loss charity that provides specialist counselling following the death of a baby has received a donation that will fund two families through these vital sessions.

Abigail’s Footsteps received £820 from our Community Champions scheme, an initiative that each month makes two awards of up to £1,000 to local good causes.

The charity was founded in 2010 by Jo and David Ward in memory of their daughter Abigail Rose Ward who was stillborn at 41 weeks.

As well as counselling for bereaved parents, Abigail’s Footsteps offers specialist bereavement training to midwives and healthcare professionals. The charity is funded entirely by donations and fundraising activities.

Faye Hill, who successfully applied to Persimmon for the funding, said: “As long as the need is there for counselling then we aim to secure funding and bridge the gap between those that need it but cannot otherwise access or afford it.

“Last year we funded 942 individual counselling sessions in Kent and supported 94 families. We know our service is vital in supporting good emotional and mental well-being for parents and their living children.

“Thank you so much to Persimmon – these funds will directly support two families. We know that our service enables a more cohesive family unit where all family members can support each other.”

The counselling services provided enable bereaved parents to implement coping skills and strategies for everyday life and can focus on returning to work, parenting living children, supporting grieving family members and coping in social situations.