The work our charity does finds us supporting families that have lost a baby or a child. This is what we set out to do and we couldn't feel prouder of the work we have been able to do and how quickly the charity has grown.

It still amazes us that such a tiny little boy could have such an impact on the world. 
We knew Charlie was special, but we are biased, but now thousands of people can see just how special he truly was. 

Often I sit back and think to myself how different life would have been if Charlie was with us, and in an ideal world he would be, but I now think of all those families that have been able to access the help and support they need and deserve. 
Only this afternoon, whilst I was with Charlies cousins, we were chatting about how Charlie and his cousin Mila (3)would have been great mates causing havoc where ever they went. Although Mila never got to meet Charlie she often talks about him and asks about him. The innocence of childhood is wonderful, life seems so much easier when you are 3.

2017 was an absolutely amazing year for the charity and we are now seeing the hard work we have been doing to make changes to the face of bereavement support starting to pay off. 
We never anticipated that it would be easy or that it would happen quickly but we have all been totally amazed at the level of support we have received, not only from professionals but from businesses, local communities, media and bereaved families.

It can become very emotional for us when we are with other families that are trying to keep going after losing their child but we know how important it is that we are there for them.  Once we get home or have a moment to spare it can then really hit you and it can bring all your memories flooding back. 
I know we wouldn't have it any other way though as we could not sit back and think of families struggling through alone like Charlies mummy had to. We feel very privileged that the families allow us into their lives and share their beautiful baby or child with us. 

Over the last few months we have began to get some of the families that we have helped getting in touch with us to let us know that they are expecting their 'rainbow' baby. 
We love it when we get news like this but we also understand how difficult the next few months will be for them and the emotions it will bring right back up. 
Some parents even tell us that they feel guilty for being pregnant, they feel that it will look to others that they have forgotten their other child or have 'got over it'. This can be a huge hurdle for them to get over and can cause lots of emotional confusion.
Everyone that has told us they are expecting always go on to say that it will be the longest pregnancy ever. We know that the professionals offer much closer screening to families and often they can ask for scans on a weekly basis if that is what the family needs to help them cope through the pregnancy.

It is lovely when we then receive the message or the picture of their new addition. 

It gives you hope for the future and hope for the families.

In 2018 we would really like to start up a 'Hope Board' that will go up in our office. It will be filled with the rainbow babies pictures and we want it to give other families some comfort and hope for their future.

This is where you can help us, if you have had a rainbow baby and would like them to go up on our Hope Board please get in touch with us via our website, email or social media. (www.Charlies-Angel-Centre.org.uk, charliesangelcentre@hotmail.com, 
@CharliesAngelCentre on FB & @charlie29122012 on Twitter).

Losing a baby or child is the hardest thing any parent and family will ever have to do. The road ahead for those families is full of ups and downs and we know how difficult it will be. 

Everyone needs a bit of hope in their lives and bereaved parents even more so.