BEREAVED families who have lost an an infant are being invited to a special carol service at York Minster.

The event on Sunday is being hosted by safer baby sleep charity, the Lullaby Trust, and is an opportunity for families in York and the surrounding area, as well as friends, to find support at what can be a difficult time of year.

Jona Ellis whose baby daughter died in 1984 at just 12 weeks and two days old is a member of the York support group of The Lullaby Trust and said she had been involved in the York Minster Carol Service since 1995.

“Every one has an impact on me. It’s always very emotional but it makes the beginning of Christmas for me and my family.”

Jona’s baby daughter died in 1984 at just 12 weeks and two days old. Jona said that year was one of hope followed by great sadness.

She said: “When my baby died my life was full of guilt and I kept asking ‘what had I done?’. My rescuer was a befriender from The Lullaby Trust (then FSID) who loved me, let me talk and gave me hope for the future.”

The organiser of the event Gill Ryder, from The Lullaby Trust, said the service was an opportunity for bereaved families to celebrate the lives of their children and to share their memories.

“It allows families to remember their children in the company of people who have experienced a similar loss.”

It takes place at York Minster at 2pm – people should be seated by 1.45pm – and will feature readings from bereaved family members. The Revd Taff Morgan will give the address, with music from the East Riding of Yorkshire Band and the choir of St Wilfrid’s RC Primary School.

After the service there will be a remembrance Christmas tree on which people can hang cards in memory of a baby or other loved one. Following the service there will also be refreshments in the Chapter House.