Abigail’s Footsteps, the Kent-based baby loss charity, marked another significant milestone in its 15-year journey with the official opening of its new offices complete with a dedicated counselling room on Monday 28 July 2025.
The ribbon was cut by The Lady Colgrain, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, during an intimate afternoon event, where the new space was also blessed by The Very Reverend Dr Philip Hesketh, Dean of Rochester Cathedral.
The Lord-Lieutenant said: “I am honoured to have been asked to officially open Abigail’s Footsteps’ new counselling room. The support that the team has given over the past 15 years to parents and families who suffer the grief of a baby’s loss is incalculable. Over the years, qualified counsellors have offered guidance and understanding to help parents come to terms with their grief and augmented the work of the NHS by providing excellent bereavement care training and support.”
“The arrival of a new baby is one of the greatest experiences we can have. When this anticipation and joy is cruelly snatched from us, the grief is beyond measure. This new counselling room will provide a wonderfully serene and comforting space for parents and those who support them as they navigate their grief and begin the healing process.”
Reflecting on the charity’s journey, David Ward MBE, co-founder of Abigail’s Footsteps, said: “Fifteen years ago, when Jo and I first spoke about starting Abigail’s Footsteps following the loss of our daughter, we could never have imagined where the charity would be today. We are proud to have helped so many bereaved families and to have donated hundreds of Abi Cooling Cots to hospitals across the country. Our new offices, complete with a dedicated counselling room is another step forward in our mission to ensure no family has to face baby loss alone.”
The event was attended by the Trustees, local supporters, healthcare professionals, and families who have been supported by the charity. The new counselling room will offer a safe, peaceful environment for one-to-one grief support, led by trained bereavement counsellors.
About Abigail’s Footsteps
