A WORCESTER law firm has donated over £1,450 to a hospital suite which provides a facility for parents who have experienced the tragic loss of a baby.

Staff at mfg Solicitors, which is based on The Tything, wanted to show their support for the Maternity Bereavement Suite at Worcestershire Royal Hospital after choosing it as one of their specified charities for this year.

The unit, which opened in December 2018, provides a fully furnished space within the hospital to give privacy to parents who have suffered the loss of their baby during pregnancy or after childbirth.

To raise money for the unit, staff from the countywide firm have been taking part in a range of charity events over the last 12 months.

The firm’s fundraising events included raffles, a charity netball match and a number of events during last Christmas.

Sharon Lerry, an associate at mfg Solicitors in Worcester, said: "To raise a great amount for such an amazing facility here in Worcester is brilliant.

"We know it will get put to good use by the hospital as they continue to support parents who are mourning the loss of a baby.

"It is a cause everyone has got behind from day one and our calendar of events were really well supported.

"It’s such a special unit at the hospital which makes a difference to grieving parents."

Trudy Berlet, bereavement support midwife at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, added: "We are so thankful to Sharon and the team at mfg Solicitors for selecting us as their chosen charity over the past 12 months.

"Donations are vital in keeping the unit running and we know through lots of feedback how important the facility is proving to be here at the hospital.

"Our aim has always been to provide a quiet but welcoming space where parents can go to be alone with their babies and families."

mfg Solicitors will announce its chosen charities for 2020 in the coming weeks following a staff vote.

mfg Solicitors has offices in Worcester, Kidderminster, Bromsgrove, Telford and Ludlow and provides commercial, agricultural and private client services.

According to Child Bereavement UK and the Office of National Statistics, 3,200 babies were stillborn in 2017 across the country, around nine babies every day

In the same year, 6,608 babies and children under 5 died, more than 18 per day.