Saying Goodbye provides comprehensive information, advice, support and much more to anyone who has suffered the loss of a baby, at any stage of pregnancy, at birth or in infancy
Firstly, know that you are not alone. Unfortunately hundreds of thousands of people across the UK and Globally go through baby loss each day, and for each person, we are here to help, to explain, to try and make sense of what for many can be a deeply traumatic time.
Secondly, please make use of the information on the site, contact the team for further support if you or a loved one needs it, and know that we are here for you.
LAUNCHING MARIPOSA 250
CAN YOU BE PART OF MAKING A TRUE DIFFERENCE
Today, we launch our most significant fundraising challenge.
We are mobilising 250 people across the UK to undertake a fundraising activity or series of activities over the next 12 months. Perhaps you are a seasoned fundraiser who has taken on challenges or projects over the years, or this is the first time you have considered fundraising; either way, we need you. Each of the Mariposa 250 will represent 1,000 babies that will be lost over the next 12 months in the UK.
Your contribution can be as small or large as you want it to be…
You can take on a sporting challenge, such as a half-marathon, a marathon, or a 5K. Perhaps you love baking, and could plan a bake sale at your workplace. You may be part of a club and could take on a 24-hour challenge with some of your friends…the possibilities are endless. And the crucial part… The more funds that you raise, the greater the impact on the baby loss community.
So today, be part of making a difference… Together, as the Mariposa 250, we will turn grief into action and remembrance into hope. Because no one should face baby loss alone.
Statement on the Launch of the Certification for Pre-24-week Loss in Wales
“At Mariposa International, through our Saying Goodbye division, we are deeply moved that bereaved parents in Wales will soon be able to receive baby loss certificates — long-awaited recognition for so many families who have endured unimaginable loss.
Welsh Government Minister Sarah Murphy has announced that Wales is moving forward with plans to introduce baby loss certificates, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to recognising babies who die before 24 weeks of gestation. While a launch date has not yet been confirmed, the certificates will be bilingual in Welsh and English. Parents will also be able to apply for a free certificate for losses that occurred in the past, mirroring the system already in place in England.
This initiative stems from a campaign we at Mariposa International launched in 2015 to ensure that every parent across the UK has the opportunity for official acknowledgement of their baby’s existence and their profound loss. The campaign was championed in the House of Lords by Baroness Benjamin, and that vision was ultimately realised through the Government’s Pregnancy Loss Review — which I, Zoe Clark-Coates, and Sam Collinge were honoured to co-chair, author and deliver.
The introduction of baby loss certificates represents one of the 73 national recommendations from the Pregnancy Loss Review. Five recommendations have now been (or are soon to be) implemented — with 68 more to go — each designed to transform bereavement care, maternity safety, and support for families across the country. While baby loss certificates will not be right for everyone, they provide comfort and validation for thousands of families — affirming a simple but powerful truth: their babies were here, they were loved, and they will always matter.
We now urge the Welsh Government to confirm when this vital scheme will be introduced, so that parents in Wales can receive the same recognition and compassion already available in England and Scotland.
We also call on Ministers in Northern Ireland to progress the certification system urgently, ensuring that bereaved families across the country receive the dignity and acknowledgement they so deeply deserve.”
Zoe Clark-Coates MBE, BCAh – Founder and CEO of Mariposa International, and Co-Chair and Author of The Pregnancy Loss Review
Bereavement Leave Update
We’ve waited to share an update on the proposed changes to bereavement leave until the government’s intentions became clearer. We know there’s been a lot of confusion and misinformation circulating on social media, and we didn’t want to add to that. Many people have already been contacting their employers, believing new rights are in place — but as of now, no legal changes have yet taken effect.
For many years, there have been widespread calls for paid bereavement leave following baby loss that occurs before 24 weeks of pregnancy. This recommendation was one of the key proposals within the Pregnancy Loss Review, laid before Parliament in July 2023, and fully accepted by the government.
Certification – England
As of February 2024, any baby lost before 24 weeks gestation is eligible for one of the government’s new official ‘Certificates of Loss’. The new certificates formally recognise each loss, but are also able to be applied for retrospectively. This means that anyone who lives in England is able to apply for a certificate for any baby they have lost in the past. This has also now been adapted to allow for twin and triplet losses.
This has only been made possible following our 10-years campaign, a Private Members Bill in the House of Lords, and the work of our founder and CEO Zoe Clark-Coates MBE as the co-chair and author of the Pregnancy Loss Review.
Mariposa Awards 2026
Each year, Mariposa International runs the highly prestigious Mariposa Awards. The nominations for 2026 are now open with 11 categories to nominate people for.
There are awards for healthcare professionals who have cared and supported someone through baby loss, awards for people in the community who, employers and more, so nominate them today.
Mariposa Ball & Awards 2025
On the 15th of March, the 5* Landmark Hotel in Marylebone, London, hosted the annual Mariposa Ball and Awards.
This wonderful evening in partnership with OK, celebrated the work of Mariposa International, acknowledging the amazing work of NHS and bereavement support heroes from around the UK with the Mariposa Awards, and raising vital funds to support the charity’s work globally. Find out all about this amazing night
Our One More Video
The Life & Soul Podcast with Zoe Clark-Coates
Join grief and loss expert Zoe Clark-Coates MBE, as she has heart to heart chats with celebrities and friends. No topic is off the table, as guests open up about their life stories. Some episodes will make you laugh, some will move you to tears, all will make you think! New Episodes now available.
Listen to the Podcast
About Saying Goodbye
Since its launch Saying Goodbye has been changing the face of baby loss support across the UK and globally. As the primary division of Mariposa International, Saying Goodbye has embraced the use of social media, befrienders, online portals, therapy & more, providing relevant advice, information & support to tens of thousands of people each week.
More about Saying Goodbye
About the Founders
Zoe and Andy Clark-Coates founded the charity Mariposa International, of which Saying Goodbye is the primary division. As a couple, they had personally gone through the experience of baby loss five times, and as such, had seen what was missing in the support sector and wanted to launch an organisation to meet this need.
Read Zoe’s Story
Fundraising and Donations
The charity relies fully on the generosity of individuals, couples, families, companies and foundations to carry on its vital work. If you can donate to the work of the charity, we would greatly appreciate your support, and if you can get involved in fundraising, we would love to have you join the fundraising team.
Support Saying Goodbye Now