Baby loss charity announces new patron

Saturday 13 January 2024

The Lieutenant-Governor's wife has been announced as the new patron of the island's baby loss charity.

Phillip’s Footprints this week announced that qualified GP, Dr Karen Kyd, will serve as its patron.

Dr Kyd yesterday visited the Rayner Clinic, the Women and Child Services Counselling Room and the Maternity Unit to see first-hand how the charity supports Jersey families.

In 2008, Jo Nash founded Philip's Footprints following the full-term stillbirth of her second son, initially to provide memory boxes to families who had suffered the loss of a baby or child.

Now in its 15th year, the charity also funds bereavement counselling, professional training, antenatal equipment and information for pregnant women to make pregnancies safer and improve outcomes for Jersey babies.

Pictured: Jo Nash (far left) with Dr Karen Kyd (second from left) at the maternity ward on Friday afternoon. (Rob Currie)

Dr Kyd said she was "delighted" to become the charity's patron.

She continued: "This is a very special charity that I feel passionate about.

"It is vital to make pregnancy as safe as possible and the education, technology and support that Philip's Footprints provides for Jersey is making a real difference.

"The loss of a baby is devastating and the support the charity offers is so important for families at all stages of their journey.

"I look forward to being part of the charity over the coming years."

Philip's Footprints Chair, Kenan Osborne, said that Dr Kyd's experience as a GP made the appointment all the more delightful.

He added: "We very much look forward to working with her to further raise the profile of the charity."

Dr Kyd is also a patron of several other Jersey charities.

Pictured: Jo Nash with Dr Karen Kyd at the maternity ward on Friday afternoon (Rob Currie).