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.

New Certificate of Loss

The new official government ‘Certificate of Loss’ for anyone who has experienced a pre-24-week baby loss is available NOW! The 22nd Feb 2024 is the launch day of this much longed-for certificate, which we launched the campaign for 9-years ago. For anyone who sadly losses a baby before 24-weeks gestation, you can apply, and for anyone who has lost a baby at any point in the past, you can also apply.

Mariposa Ball 2024

On the 16th March, the 5* Landmark Hotel in Marylebone, London hosted the annual Mariposa Fundraising Ball and Awards. This wonderful evening celebrated the work of the Mariposa Trust, acknowledged the amazing work of NHS and bereavement support heroes from around the UK, and raised vital funds to support the charity’s work globally. Hosted by Kym Marsh, this was a spectacular evening.

‘Race For Love & Virtual Challenge’

Race for Love

We are calling people around the UK to join with us in 2024 to Race for Love and raise funds to support the work of the charity. We have race places available at the Great North Run, Royal Parks Half Marathon, Edinburgh Half Marathon and Great South Run and are looking for amazing volunteers to take on these races for us.

We are also calling people around the world to fundraise by taking part in the Race for Love Virtual Challenge, where you run in your local area. You may choose to do a 1K run each day for a month, take on a 10K each month or take on a bigger challenge…the choice is yours.

Mariposa Awards 2024

Awards Host Briony May Williams

On the 16th March, the Mariposa Awards took place at the Landmark Hotel in London as part of the annual Mariposa Ball. This black-tie event celebrated the work of the charity, raised vital funds to support it’s work and recognised the incredible work of frontline medical and support staff across the UK with the Mariposa Awards.

There were so many amazing people nominated, with shortlisted nominees attending on the night where Outstanding Contribution, Special Recognition and Winner awards were given.

Statement on the Launch of the Certification for Pre-24-week Loss

I am delighted to announce that the government has today launched the new ‘Certificate of Loss’ for anyone who experiences or has experienced a pre-24-week baby loss in England. One of the key early recommendations of the Pregnancy Loss Review, this is the first of the 73 recommendations to be introduced.

The Pregnancy Loss Review, which was laid in Parliament in 2023 called for 73 major changes, and Sam (my co-chair) and I are thrilled that the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Health accepted all 73.

As a charity, we, the Mariposa Trust (Sayinggoodbye@org) launched the campaign for these certificates 9-years ago. We have been campaigning with Dame Floella Benjamin in The House of Lords and worked with celebrities, experts and most importantly bereaved families from across the country to make this a reality. Today marks a new day in history, where the estimated 250,000 babies lost each year before 24-weeks gestation, are finally recognised.

The Certificates are available to anyone who now loses a baby pre-24-weeks gestation in England, but importantly the certificates are also available retrospectively, meaning that if you lost a baby months, years or decades ago, you can also apply. Initially, the system will only allow applications for losses since the start of September 2018, then it will be expanded to any date. You simply go to the .GOV website to apply.

Every person who encounters the tragic loss of a baby deserves the formal recognition of that life, and I hope this will make a true difference to millions of people.

Zoe Clark-Coates MBE, BCAh – Founder and CEO of the Mariposa Trust, and Co-Chair and Author of The Pregnancy Loss Review

The Baby Loss Guide - buy now

The Baby Loss Guide Book
by Zoe Clark-Coates

Find out more about the bookPurchase The Baby Loss Guide
Pregnancy After Loss - find out more

Pregnancy After Loss
by Zoe Clark-Coates

Find out more about the bookPurchase Pregnancy After Loss

Our Latest Video – One More

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!

Listen to the Podcast
The Life & Soul Podcast

About Saying Goodbye

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 the Mariposa Trust, 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 the Mariposa Trust, 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
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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 are able to donate to the work of the charity, we would greatly appreciate your support, and if you are able to get involved in fundraising, we would love to have you join the fundraising team.

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