THOUSANDS of hearts have gone on display at Thorpe Bay Seafront after being knitted and crocheted by people from all over Essex and beyond.
The stunning display of more than 3,700 hearts marks Baby Loss Awareness Week, which runs until October 15.
The hearts have been sent from as far afield as Paris and Florida with thousands of volunteers doing their bit to mark the week.
It is the third year Ellie and Colin Day, and a host of volunteer helpers, have created the display.
Every heart tells a different story, and for Ellie and Colin it is in memory of their son Charlie, who was stillborn at full term in March 2019.
“We wanted to create a quiet space for bereaved parents to come and remember their babies whilst also raising awareness of baby loss for people passing by,” said Ellie, who is mum to Gracie age eight and Jack age three.
More than 200 baby names are also displayed alongside the hearts.
The display will be there for duration of Baby Loss Awareness week including for the International Wave of Light on the evening of October 15 at 7pm.
There is a Wave of Light Service at All Saints Church in Maldon on Sunday October 15 at 6.45pm and White Elm Garden Centre are doing a remembrance wall where people can go and add their baby.
Across Maldon more than 40 businesses and landmarks have been lit pink and blue for the week.
It was in 2021 that Ellie put out a request on social media asking for knitted hearts, and she had an overwhelming response from people wanting to help.
Post your photos to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using #WaveOfLight. See www.sands.org.uk.
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