A VOLUNTEER-led charity which captures poignant images of babies that have died before, during and shortly after birth has won a prestigious award.

Remember My Baby won the Cherished Keepsake accolade at the Butterfly Awards, held during baby loss awareness week.

RMB was honoured for their work providing remembrance photography sessions to grieving parents.

The company comprises a network of volunteer photographers who will go into hospitals to capture precious images of babies who have died, and their families.

One of these volunteers is Wanborough-based photographer Clare Woolford who has worked with the charity for a year. She said her previous career in hospitals made her determined to help when she first came across RMB at a conference.

“Some people say they couldn’t do this job, I can’t not do it,” said Clare.

“When I worked in radiography I was doing X-rays of babies that had died which was very upsetting.

“I thought they deserved so much respect. They were absolutely beautiful.

“I show them a little bit of love, and that’s what this photography is all about.

“These babies are beautiful, they’re still beautiful and these photos are about capturing that.”

Remember my Baby photographers work with bereavement midwives and maternity units to provide comfort to grieving families.

“It was fantastic to win the award, to know that what we are doing is making a difference and helping people in some small way,” said Clare.

These photos which are provided free of charge are then retouched to remove wires and other marks before being given to parents.

Clare said she always adopts a sensitive and considered approach when she photographs families at their most difficult times.

“I make a point of going and looking at the baby. I will always speak to the baby when I am taking the photos which parents have said they appreciate,” she said.

“I then talk the parents through the photograph process so they know exactly what I’m doing and if there’s anything they don’t want in the photos..

“It helps them come to terms with their loss. It shows them their babies are still beautiful and perfect

“Because of what I did in my previous career I can shut my emotions off and put them in a box but of course it does get to you sometimes.”

For more information visit www.remembermybaby.org.uk or email info@remembermybaby.org.uk.