Memorial bench for grieving families who've lost children unveiled in Crocketford

A memorial bench for families to go to and remember the children they’ve lost was unveiled on Sunday.

Amanda and Lee Smith raised more than £4,000 to build a tribute on the banks of Auchenreoch Loch in Crocketford.

The Crawfordjohn couple decided they wanted to do something after their baby twins Ali and Billy died in 2020.

Together with Baby Loss Retreat founders Julie and Bryan Morrison, they decided to place the bench at The Inn on the Loch at Crocketford.

The opening ceremony was attended by councillor Pauline Drysdale, who said she felt honoured to have been asked to officially open the commemorative bench.

She said: “This charity is close to my heart as our best man and his wife lost their baby at 41 weeks and we can never understand fully what they, and of course others, went through.

“The Baby Loss Retreat offers couples time to reflect and Helen Bean at The Inn on The Loch has kindly been offering bereaved parents and families respite for a few years now. The bench offers a tranquil setting to sit quietly and be surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature.”

Helen added: “I think it’s a great charity that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. Julie and her team have worked so hard to achieve what they have.

"Having the bench in a beautiful position with the sunset gives families time to sit quietly with their thoughts.”