Sunderland baby loss charity 4Louis donates 250,000 memory boxes worldwide
by Emily Gray · ChronicleLiveA leading UK-based bereavement charity has announced a major milestone in its operation - the donation of its 250,000th memory box to support grieving families.
Over the past 14 years, 4Louis has provided these memory boxes free of charge to hospitals across the UK, along with reaching military families in Germany and Cyprus, and families as far away as the United States, Australia and Brazil.
Each memory box represents a story of loss, remembrance and enduring love, providing comfort to families facing the most challenging moments of their lives.
The charity was founded in 2009 by Kirsty McGurrell in Sunderland following the stillbirth of her son, Louis. Her personal experience inspired a mission to help other families dealing with baby loss by providing memory boxes containing keepsakes to honour each child’s memory.
What began as one mother's journey to support others in grief has grown into a national and international cause. In addition to memory boxes, 4Louis offers miscarriage keepsake pouches, early pregnancy loss kits and bereavement training for healthcare professionals.
Kirsty McGurrell, Founder of 4Louis said: "Reaching 250,000 memory boxes is an incredible milestone, but it’s also a reminder of the families who experience baby loss every day. Each box represents a family, a child’s memory, and a story of love and loss.
"We’re deeply committed to supporting these families, and we are immensely grateful for the support we receive to continue this mission."
The memory boxes are thoughtfully assembled with keepsakes such as a handprint and footprint kit, a soft blanket, a teddy bear and a candle, allowing families to create lasting memories of their little ones. They are then distributed to hospitals ensuring families have access to this compassionate resource, regardless of location.
Healthcare professionals also play a critical role in the distribution of these boxes, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunity to provide an important source of comfort to grieving families.
Reaching the milestone of 250,000 memory boxes highlights the growing awareness and importance of bereavement support for families experiencing baby loss.
Families who receive a memory box often express deep gratitude, with many describing the box as a source of comfort and a means to honour their child’s life. Healthcare providers, too, share how the memory boxes provide an essential service in their bereavement care efforts.
One mother shared: "When we lost our baby, the 4Louis memory box gave us something to hold onto. It was a way to remember and honour our daughter, and it’s something we’ll cherish forever."
The charity's commitment to supporting bereaved families remains as strong as ever, with plans to continue expanding its resources and reach. The charity also provides training to healthcare professionals to improve bereavement support and awareness in medical settings.
4Louis relies on the generosity of its donors, volunteers, and supporters to fund and assemble memory boxes, miscarriage keepsake pouches, and early pregnancy loss kits. Those interested in supporting 4Louis can visit here to donate, volunteer, or learn more about the organisation’s mission.
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