Hundreds gathered at a lake in Slough to mark their loss during baby loss awareness week.

On Sunday, October 15, The Vishaal Foundation organised a local Wave of Light, inviting families to gather at Herschel Park and reflect on their loss. 

First launched in 2002 by Sands, Baby Loss Awareness Week takes place on the second week of October and is finished with a Wave of Light across the globe.

Those who have experienced the loss of a baby or child are encouraged to light a candle for an hour in their time zone at 7pm. Over 130 charities now participate.

Each day in the UK 13 babies die, an estimated 4,800 babies a year. Approximately 15 per cent of pregnancies end in miscarriage, increasing as you age

Madhuri Bedi, founder of The Vishaal Foundation shared her personal experiences with losing her child in 2003 which led her to founding the foundation in 2012.

"I was 30 weeks when I gave birth early and we had to switch off his life support machine," she shared.

"It was really difficult, your family and everyone is there for you but because the baby has gone you've got nothing to show for that pregnancy, there is also this 'you've got to get on now' and you'll have another.

"People don't know what to say and it is really hard to move on.

"It is the only relationship where you lose your title - it is hard.

"And I did go and speak to organisations such as Sands but I felt very alone because I didn't have anyone in the South Asian community there.

"The work I do now in Slough is to support the South Asian community because loss is so taboo.

"Now it is much better for people seeking that support.

"That is why we do this, so they can come and have an avenue [for support] - it is quite cathartic to be there with everyone."

Reflecting on her loss, Madhuri wishes she could tell her past self: "Just be really gentle on yourself and make sure that you seek support and that you don't just get on and hold everything in. Just do things for yourself."

Medhuri said this year's turnout was the best yet with an estimated 200 people turning out in support of the Wave of Light.

"The atmosphere was beautiful. The park is lit up in different shades of pink and blue and we have a choir sing from Burnham."

Lanterns and candles are provided to attendees, with Madhuri and the mayor lighting the first candles.

"It is a beautiful environment and what is so lovely about it is that everyone understands why you are there and everyone talks - supporting one another."

Madhuri is passionate about supporting the baby loss community and also works for Sands charity where she has a focus on South Asian loss. 

Sands runs special support groups and webinars for the community, with a focus on the South Asian and black community which experience a higher degree of loss due to inequality in pregnancy.