THE Mersey Gateway Bridge will be illuminated in pink and blue lights as part of Baby Loss Awareness Week.

Taking place from October 9-15, it will be a chance for bereaved parents, families and friends to commemorate babies' lives and break the silence around pregnancy and baby loss in the UK.

The Mersey Gateway will be illuminated on October 15.

Now in its 17th year, Baby Loss Awareness Week is a collaboration between a number of charities and organisations - including Widnes-based Child Bereavement UK.

The charity's regional fundraiser Seb Farrell said: "We hope turning the Mersey Gateway Bridge pink and blue will spark conversations about baby loss, and give local bereaved parents and families an opportunity to talk about their children and babies.

"Child Bereavement UK has been supporting families and young people in the North West for over five years now, including specialist support for adults bereaved of a baby or child."

All of the buildings and landmarks turning pink and blue for Baby Loss Awareness Week 2019 will be featured on the interactive map and the Facebook album Anyone in Halton can share their photos of The Mersey Gateway Bridge on social media with the hash tag #BLAW2019.

Clea Harmer, chief executive of Sands (stillbirth and neonatal death charity), said: "Baby Loss Awareness Week is a unique opportunity for parents to commemorate their babies who died.

"I hope bereaved families in Halton seeing The Mersey Gateway Bridge lit up pink and blue will feel less isolated and alone in their grief.

"Pregnancy loss or the death of a baby is a tragedy that affects thousands of people every year.

"It is devastating for parents and families and it's vital they get the bereavement support and care they need, for as long as they need it."

For further information about Baby Loss Awareness Week visit: www.babyloss-awareness.org