The bereavement team at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust were proud to attend the Mariposa Ball and awards in April, held in London, where excellence in compassionate care following baby loss was recognised and celebrated.
The Mariposa Awards, organised by Mariposa International Charity, honour individuals and teams who go above and beyond to provide sensitive, empathetic support to families experiencing baby loss.
Experiencing baby loss is one of the hardest journeys a person can go through. In those moments of grief, the kindness, compassion, and support of healthcare professionals can make a profound difference. The Mariposa Awards shine a light on those whose dedication ensures care is delivered with dignity, empathy, and humanity.
Members of Airedale bereavement team were nominated and shortlisted across multiple categories:
Dr Kathleen Graham, recently retired Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, was nominated for—and went on to win—the Lifetime Achievement Award. With 41 years of dedicated service to the NHS, her win was a deeply emotional and fitting recognition of a career devoted to supporting obstetrics and gynaecology patients, alongside bereaved families.
Fiona Mcfadyen, Lead Risk and Governance Midwife, won Midwife of the Year. Fiona, who has worked as a midwife at Airedale for 31 years, was delighted to receive the award, which recognises the vital role of midwives throughout the pregnancy and birth journey.
Other Airedale nominees included Suzanne Bairstow, the Trust’s funeral director, nominated for the Community Award for her compassionate support of bereaved parents following baby loss, and Bev Beaumont, Bereavement Support Midwife, nominated for Bereavement Midwife of the Year, an award recognising exceptional specialist care for families facing the tragedy of loss.
Bev Beaumont, Midwife said:
These well-deserved awards are a testament to the outstanding compassion, professionalism, and commitment shown by our maternity and bereavement team each day.
She added:
“As a midwife, I am incredibly proud of our team. The way we care for families with such kindness and sensitivity during the most heartbreaking moments is exactly what the Mariposa Awards were created to recognise.”
Further info
Mariposa Charity – Since 2012, the charity has been a beacon of hope for those affected by loss at any stage of pregnancy, birth, infancy, and for those journeying infertility.
