Saying Goodbye Ambassadors

Professor Lord Robert Winston is a professor, medical doctor, scientist and television presenter.

Statement of Support

Miscarriage and stillbirth is often something that’s not acknowledged or talked about in the UK, and people certainly do not appreciate how utterly distressing it is for parents, and indeed their extended families. It’s a loss of a precious life, and whether the loss happens in early or late pregnancy, at birth or in infancy it’s traumatic, and a natural grief process must be allowed to happen. Sadly a lot of doctors and nurses see loss on such a regular basis, the right support and follow up advice is just not offered, which results in vast amount of parents never coming to terms with losing their baby, and sadly they are not able to move forward with their lives as they become stuck in a cycle of grief.

I am delighted to be an ambassador for The Mariposa Trust an organisation dealing with the suffering caused by miscarriage and stillbirth, by not only offering crucial support to those who need it, but by also working with hospitals, trusts and many other key organisations to support and advise on fundamental changes that can help bereaved individuals. The primary division is Saying Goodbye - Saying Goodbye offers support and befriending to anyone who has lost a baby, and it also runs national remembrance services, which allow families to come together to mourn their lost babies. The services are held at cathedrals across the UK, and more information can be found at www.sayinggoodbye.org. The charities support is offered by six divisions, another one of them being GrowingYou which offers support to anyone who is pregnant following loss, as the fear of losing again can be profound for many people: www.growingyou.org.

The charity was founded by Zoe and Andrew Clark-Coates, who themselves have lost five babies. Having experienced this agonising pain and grief themselves, they are perfectly placed to not only offer wonderful support but also to be a voice in the national media and at a governmental level.

I am so proud to be supporting the Mariposa Trust and their ground-breaking work. Because of the vast range of services and support the charity offers, families are now better supported and know that their loss has been recognised. The causes of miscarriage and stillbirth still need to be more widely understood, but this dynamic organisation is helping tens of thousands of people each and every month.

Baroness Floella Benjamin is best known as a children's TV presenter, and for her work as a campaigner for children's rights and safety. As a Peer in the House of Lords, she is leading the Mariposa Trust bill looking at the introduction of a National Loss Certificate.

Sally Phillips has for the last 15-years blazed a trail as a comedy actress and writer. She has starred in blockbusters such as the Bridget Jones trilogy, as well as in TV shows such as Miranda and Smack the Pony and on numerous Radio shows.

Kate Ferdinand has quickly become one of the UK’s most relatable women. In 2019 Kate married professional footballer Rio Ferdinand and has taken on the role of step-mum to his three young children and at the beginning of 2020 their intimate documentary “Rio and Kate: Becoming a Stepfamily” aired on BBC One.

In December 2021 Kate released her new venture Blended, a platform for blended families to share their experiences and advice.

Maya Vander has become a global name, following her rise to fame in Netflix's hit show 'Selling Sunset'. In the show, she opened up about her losses and the pain she went through trying to have a family. She joins the charity to help raise awareness of loss, and let people know that they are not alone.

James is a TV presenter and model, best known for his work with Sky Sports. Following his personal experience of baby loss, and being supported by the charity, he came on board as an ambassador to help raise awareness of the charity.

Jacqueline is visiting Professor of Midwifery at Kings College London and London South Bank University. Her experience has led to her leading and influencing national maternity standards and guidance both nationally and internationally through research, education and publications.

Briony May Williams rose to fame on the Great British Bake Off, where she quickly became one of the nations favourite home cooks. Since then she has joined Channel 4's 'Food Unwrapped' team exploring her passion for food.