Sunday December 1 saw a very special day of celebration as bereaved families came together for ‘Zach’s Wish Christmas Extravaganza’.
Organised by Natasha Quinn, the event was open to the parents, grandparents and siblings of infants who have passed away, providing a safe space for bereaved families at a time that can often prove quite challenging.
Speaking to Armagh I ahead of the event Natasha explained how, in navigating the heartache of losing her own son Zach at just two days old, she decided to turn her grief into something positive.
Zach – after whom the event is named – was born prematurely on Boxing Day 2021.
As a result of his early birth his lungs had not fully developed and Zach sadly passed away just one day later.
Following Zach’s death, Christmas became such a difficult time for the family that Natasha described it as “horrific”.
Watching other families enjoy the holidays with their children should have filled her with joy but, she admits it was “difficult” and that difficulty became even more problematic when Natasha and Daniel welcomed their second son in 2023.
Natasha explained: “It’s really awful going to Christmas events and seeing families lovely and happy taking photos with Santa. It was very difficult but when we had our second son we didn’t want that to impact on his life.
“Our first Christmas with our son was really difficult but as a family we wanted to do something.
“Dad does Santa anyway for the school he works in and lots of local companies and charities etc so I had said, ‘Dad wouldn’t it be lovely to do an event for parents who have lost children and now have children or parents who have older bereaved children because you know what it’s like and if they get really upset you’ll understand?'”
After speaking to a Bereavement Midwife who agreed to take the idea forward on Natasha’s behalf, the event was soon agreed and the idea snowballed from there.
Zach’s Grotto opened it’s doors on December 1 at Dromore Listening Rooms and families from across the Southern Trust area attended for a memorable day of festive fun.
Children were welcomed by a host of elves, Mrs Claus and – of course – Santa himself!
The day was packed full of crafts, soft play, a visit from Jurassic Encounters, a massage therapist, Paintastic face painter, Little Forget Me Nots Trust, stalls and a food hall area filled with free sandwiches, cake and dilute provided by Natasha’s family.
Visitors were even able to participate in an “amazing raffle” with an extensive list of prizes and buy tasty treats from an on-site chip van, crepe van and tea and coffee van.
For Natasha, it was so important to send a message to those who are struggling just as she had struggled that “it’s OK to enjoy the little things”.
She added: “We want to raise awareness for baby loss, bereavement and life after loss.
“This is in your local community, it could be your next door neighbour, your friend, your cousin, anyone can experience this and actually life after loss is OK too.
“It’s OK to have these events and to enjoy and celebrate your children that are living because they deserve that and it’s OK to move forward.
“You can feel OK about enjoying the little things in life again.”
Photos by Sasha Treanor Photography:
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