A CHARITY which supports bereaved parents who lose a baby has announced it could be forced to close as soon as March.

Since 2005, Scottish-based SiMBA has supported more than 50,000 individuals and families, providing them with invaluable support during their critical time of loss.

But now, the combination of a surge in requests for memory boxes from hospitals across the UK, a significant shortfall in expected fundraising income, and soaring costs of producing, distributing and donating the boxes to every family who needs one, has left the charity running desperately low on funds and unable to meet the growing demand.

Despite an urgent appeal at the start of December to raise £220,000, only 25% of this was reached.

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The charity now needs to raise the remaining amount to keep its operation going.

Sara Fitzsimmons, chief executive and co-founder of SiMBA, said: “Our wonderful charity, so appreciated and loved by the thousands of families who have received our support over the years, is now in trouble.

“Our costs have increased faster than ever before, while at the same time, we’ve seen a huge growth in requests for our precious memory boxes.

“As a result, we are devastated to say that we could face closing our operation unless we receive vital funds by the end of March 2023.

“So, we are making an unprecedented appeal to the public, organisations and businesses to help us through donations; fundraising; sharing our story, or in whatever way they can, so we survive this critical period and continue to support bereaved families when they need us most.”

The charity has already undertaken cost-cutting measures, including reduced hours and salaries.

SiMBA provides support to any bereaved parents who lose a baby at any stage of their pregnancy or around the time of birth, offering a range of services.

Kirsty, from Renfrewshire, tragically lost her baby Millie at 21 weeks of pregnancy on Christmas Day two years ago.

She received a memory box from SiMBA and was given a room in a hospital that was refurbished by the charity to make their stay more comfortable.

She said: “We were absolutely heartbroken to know we would only have a short time to spend with Millie.

“When my daughter was brought to me, she was wrapped in her beautifully knitted blankets and her pink knitted bear beside her and one for me to keep.

“I have held the bear beside me every night; it brings me so much comfort.

“I have her hand and footprints, photographs, her blankets, candle and more all in her memory box provided by SiMBA.”

To donate to #SaveSiMBA or to find out other ways you can help support the charity, please click HERE.