A sculpture has been installed at Peterborough City Hospital as a tribute to families affected by the loss of a baby.
Installed outside the hospital’s women’s and children’s unit, the six-foot-wide metal butterfly artwork features birds, flowers, and insects and serves as a lasting memorial.
It was inspired by midwife Afton Cope, who lost her son Charlie following complications during pregnancy in 2023.
Ms Cope said: "I know all too well how it feels to walk in these hospital doors with life growing inside of you, and to walk out with empty arms and an empty womb.
"You feel invisible, as all other parents walk around you with their babies for the world to see.
"Our aim here is for bereaved parents to feel seen and acknowledged.
"I will pass this sculpture every day and remember not only my son, but all the babies that could not stay."
The idea was developed by Ms Cope, her sister Lorren—who also works as a nurse at the hospital—and bereavement midwife Lesley Carline.
They collaborated with Coates-based artist Jeni Cairns and were supported in realising the project by the North West Anglia Hospitals Charity.
Ms Cairns created the piece from corten steel over two weeks, incorporating nature-inspired elements including bees, birds, and rabbits.
She said: "This was a really special piece to be asked to make.
"It was important for me to capture elements of the natural world, such as forget-me-not flowers, bees, birds and rabbits, to create a lasting tribute that reminds us all how we are connected with the beauty of the world around us.
"I hope it will bring comfort to those who have experienced such a sad loss."
During Baby Loss Awareness Week each October, families will be invited to tie ribbons to the sculpture in remembrance of their babies.
Share