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My Plea:
“All pain you experience throughout your life will inevitably impact you in one way or another. You can either allow it to impede you and stop you in your tracks, or to guide your path and drive you forward. Which it is all depends on how you choose to carry it.” Beau Taplin
My world collapsed in that very moment they told me that my pregnancy was ectopic. I too, now felt that same crushing pain of my angel baby families. I somehow found strength, a bravery and compassion that fuelled me to improve the services offered to bereaved parents. I campaigned for the local councils to offer free cremation services to infants and I assisted in the set up of a support group for grieving parents and all those affected by child loss. I began attending hospitals and offering talks to midwives about services which Co-op Funeralcare offer to grieving families and how we can all work together to extend comfort and guidance to these families. It is crucial that we allow parents the time to create memories with their babies and to provide the resources and support required. We understand that the parent’s future grief course may be significantly altered by our support in responding to their requests.
I was very grateful to receive 2 cuddle cots at the funeral home and offered to loan these and to hospitals, families and other funeral directors should they ever request. I will attend at their convenience and set up the cot for them. This is a service I offer personally which allows parents to have additional and often essential time with their baby no matter what funeral arrangements have been made.
I have been nominated for this award by the grieving parents of Ella Marie. To know that they have found it within their broken hearts to put me forward for such an award is my truest honour. I met Ella’s mummy and daddy when 
I attended their home with a cuddle cot and remember seeing Ella for the first time; she was wrapped preciously in pink. I commented on how beautiful she looked and admired the personalised items they had bought for her. All those tiny baby items and though
tful gifts that had suddenly been denied appreciation by others were so important to me because I knew they were cherished by mummy and daddy. They were bought with love and that’s what I expressed admiration for the most. My colleague and I wore pink ties on the day of the funeral as a tribute to Ella. As with all my families I was willing to listen and be accommodating to their needs; to offer help, guidance and flexibility throughout. Some family members were unable to attend so I fulfilled my role as funeral director on the day as well as DJ and videographer so that all the family could be included in Ella’s farewell service. Together we designed bespoke service sheets that incorporated all things pink and meaningful, we also personalised Ella’s coffin so that it was unique and special. I do my upmost to show attention to detail in all areas of my role; I offer clarity and reassurance to parents with regards to funeral arrangements whilst also being a friendly shoulder whenever they may need it. I sometimes message parents at special times of the year just to offer my continued support and to remind them that they are in my thoughts.
My aspirations of becoming a funeral director began in my teenage years. I knew that caring for and supporting families and their loved ones was a role meant for me. My job involves great sadness and heartache but people feel this pain because they have loved someone so much, therefore, I am surrounded by love every day, albeit in its most raw form. I am there to offer warmth, compassion and understanding to those who grieve. I will guide them through funeral arrangements as well as creating memories and saying goodbye in a way that is comforting to them.
I plan to continue to raise awareness of child loss and to talk about our babies. We all face the silence in our homes, the silence in our hearts and we know the silence we can be greeted with when we tell people who do not understand – Let’s break that silence. I want to encourage people to share their babies memories, their love and for us to stand together through even our darkest of days.
What Others Have Said
Our bereavement midwife told us about Belle who had offered to provide a cold cot, which had been donated by another bereaved family. We had never heard of a funeral director offering this service before. We were so grateful to use the cot as it meant we could spend time with Ella at home, something that we hadn’t been able to do with Amelie. Belle was so lovely and showed such compassion and understanding. She has the perfect balance between professional, helpful and supportive. Belle arrived at our house with the cold cot, and also a beautiful knitted pink blanket, angel pin and a memory box, provided by Friends of Serenity (an AMAZING charity). We were very touched by Belle’s thoughtfulness and attention to detail. She was there to walk us through every step of the funeral process. She was like a very supportive friend as well as a professional funeral director. She even re-arranged at short notice to return the cold cot when we wanted to have more time with Ella. Nothing was too much trouble and she totally “got” that this was our only chance to make memories with Ella outside of the womb. We also remember how lovely she was about Ella, saying how snuggly wrapped up she was and admiring things we had bought for her. These were so lovely for us to hear. We absolutely hated leaving Ella at the funeral home, but we knew she was in safe hands with Belle, she even took a picture of Ella before the coffin was closed on the day of the funeral. It might seem a small thing but it really helped, knowing that Ella and her special treasures, looked the same as when we had to say goodbye the night before. Belle remained so flexible throughout, always willing to listen to us, she would go out of her way to accommodate us. Even on the day of the funeral, Belle and her colleague especially wore baby pink ties for Ella which was a lovely touch. I am struggling to put it all into words but Belle really went above and beyond. We will always remember the difference she made to us as a family, during the absolute worst of times (for the second time). We are sure that she will have made a positive difference to so many other families too.
I have heard Annabel speak with love and affection about those who have sadly lost babies in this way . I just think what she does is amazing , going way beyond what would be expected of anyone ” just doing their job ” , and I’m sure the parents must be so grateful for such caring and thoughtful gestures , at this terrible time in their lives . I am just left humbled by this level of empathy for those that she helps in these moments
Annabel is one of the most caring people I know. She always goes above and beyond in everything she does, nothing is too much for her. Annabel carries out all her duties as a funeral director to the highest level and is always professional. There is nobody more deserving of this award, especially having experienced infant bereavement herself first hand. If I were to ever find myself in this heartbreaking situation I would definitely want Annabel to turn to.
Amazing award for a well deserved amazing woman!
Belle is a very caring and passionate about her role .she is fantastic indivaul and has a lot of time for families. Well done Belle ❤❤ xx
Annabel Davies is a wonderful caring young woman and is a great support to all her bereaving families and tries her utmost to help in anyway she can xx
I began as a Funeral Celebrant four years ago. Bearing in mind I am many years older than Belle with children and grand children of my own and numerous life experiences. Without appearing patronising to Annabel, as a young lady her wisdom on how to assist a family when I oversaw a number of services for babies and children was astounding! She pointed me in the right direction to make sure the priorities of family was adhered to professionaly and respectfully. Her sentiments are both genuine and caring. She is a treasure and a credit to her profession
It has only been a few months since I became a priest in Burnley that myself and Annabel have become acquainted. However it is clear to me and comes as no surprise at all that she has been nominated for this award. Working with her recently with a family involving the loss of a baby it was very apparent that Annabel’s number one priority was the pastoral well being of the bereaved family. She has a very natural and compassionate approach to grieving families and I know the family I dealt with felt that Anabel had gone way beyond her remit. Anabel went more than the extra mile to ensure the funeral arrangements were taken care of with as little burden to the family as possible. I think Anabel is a credit to those whom employ her and think she is highly deserving of such recognition. She is a pleasure to work with always highly professional and courteous. Best of luck Anabel!
Fr Alex
Vicar, St Matthews, Burnley
It only in recent months that I have become acquainted with Belle since I became the Vicar of St Matthews Burnley. I am delighted she has been nominated for this award as I have always found her to be highly professional and kind.
Recently Belle and I worked together on a baby bereavement and her compassion and kindness towards the grieving family was outstanding. The family commented to me how she had gone way beyond their expectations and were comforted greatly by her warmth and care.
Belle is a credit to her profession and those she works for and I recommend her for recognition without any reservations whatsoever.
Best of luck,
Fr Alex
Vicar St Matthews, Burnley
Annabel is one of the most caring people I know. She always goes above & beyond within her role as a funeral director. She always conducts herself within a professional way but is also so warm and sympathetic. There is nobody more deserving of this award, especially considering her own personal experience with infant bereavement. Annabel is truly an amazing person. Xx
I wish I’d had someone like Annabel when I lost my son. She is a remarkable young woman doing a job she always wanted and helping do many people with her mind words and actions.
Belle is a beautiful person. She pays close attention to detail and ensures that all families leave her care happy and knowing that they have been given the best service they can.
Annabelle you was absolutely amazing with myself and my family, going above and beyond what most people would do. Taking my mums fingerprint for me to share with my family, even sending copies months after, to allowing my son to hug the coffin at the end of the funeral. Then allowing the rest of the family to go to it to say one last goodbye. Thank you very much you are a very special young lady xx
Annabel is one of the most caring people I know. She always goes above and beyond in everything she does. Annabel carries out all her duties as a funeral director to the highest level and is always professional. There is nobody more deserving of this award, especially having experienced infant bereavement first hand. If I were to ever find myself in this kind of heartbreaking situation I would definitely want someone like Annabel to turn to.
Annabel is one of the most caring people I know. She always goes above and beyond in everything she does, nothing is too much for her. Annabel carries out all her duties as a funeral director to the highest level and is always professional. There is nobody more deserving of this award, especially having experienced infant bereavement herself first hand. If I were to ever find myself in this heartbreaking situation I would definitely want Annabel to turn to.
Annabel helped when my grandfather passed away. My family still speak very highly of her and the service she provided. Annabel goes over and beyond the dutie of care. She’s a kind person who has a lot of time for people. She’s very passionate about her job and you can see this in the care and service she gives to families.
Belle is a funeral director highly recommended, she is a very caring female and very professional carrying out her duties at 100%+
Belle is a very caring female and very professional carrying out her duties as a funeral director highly recommended she ALLWAYS gives 100%+
Belle’s care and compassion for families shines through and the fact that she is able to share her personal experience in order to help others is a tribute to her and a lasting legacy to her own angel.
It has been my privilege to conduct Funerals for babies and children which Belle has arranged. I certainly appreciate her compassionate, sensitive approach and I know that bereaved families are very touched by her dedicated care for them for what is a very tragic time in their lives.
Annabel, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change this world.
Leadership is not about a title or a designation, it’s about impact, influence and inspiration. Impact involves getting results, influence is about spreading the passion you have for your work. And you have to inspire team mate and customers. I couldn’t think of anybody else who deserves this more than you.
I wish you all the best, you truly are an amazing person
Annabel is the most caring and delightful person-she shines out at a time when you need support and care/love the most. She helped my family above and beyond the remit of her job. She is highly professional and so helpful -we are so lucky to have her in our area xx
Amazing young lady -well deserving of this award with many more to follow xx Thankyou for all you do x
Belle is one off the professions best she cares and is passionate about her job and the people she serves day in day out
Ella’s mummy is one of my best friends and to know how much you helped at such a devastating time means so much to everyone who cares for them and struggles to find ways to help them. Thank you for doing all you could to help them and pay tribute to Ella with all of the small touches ?
I work with Bellearning every day and see first hand just how kind caring and supporting she is to famalies.
She is always their for them even in her own time nothing is ever to much trouble.
I have also seen all the hard work and time she put in campaigning for free cremations for babies.Sometimes on her own time attending different support groups gaiming knowedge to pass on to families.
She is a wonderful colleague and well worthy of the award.
Well done Belle.
Belle is a very caring individual she is compassionate and professional in any task or situation she has to deal with giving her support 100 percent
Annabelle has natural caring calming way about her, which reflects in the quality of the service she provides.
The ability she has to engage with people in their toughest times is something very special indeed.
Annabel you really are an amazing person and you deserve the best. I wish I’d had someone like you around when my son died.
Belle is a fantastic childhood friend, someone I’ve grown up with through good times and bad – for both of us. Sometimes we don’t speak for months, other times it’s like we’ve never been apart, we literally pick up where we left off. She’s the type of friend you can ring day or night, and you can count on her that she’ll be there. A proper legend x
Belle is the most caring and compassionate funeral director, she truly goes above and beyond for her bereaved families and it comes from the heart. A true inspiration x
Belle is the most caring and compassionate funeral director, she goes above and beyond for her grieving familys and it truly comes from the heart. An Inspirational lady x
When I lost my Dad in December 2017 Belle was so caring and patient with myself and my family. You could tell it was not just a job to her, she really did care. I remember once going to see my Dad at the chapel of rest on Colne Road. Before she entered the room where my Dad was laid to rest, she knocked on the door. I asked her why she had done that and she replied “You wouldn’t just walk in to a room without knocking!” So respectful, so dedicated and a lovely, lovely young woman. Belle made the whole process of arranging my Dad’s funeral so much easier and she treat my Dad with the upmost respect even after he had passed away. My Dad would have loved her x
There can’t be too much empathy or sympathy shown to parents who have to suffer in these circumstances so what Belle is doing is quite remarkable and I hope that at some point, I can benefit from her advice and guidance on how best to help a family deal with such loss.