Parents and families who have lost a child suddenly took part in a Memory Walk at St Anne's Park, in Raheny, Co Dublin, today.
It was organised by the charity FirstLight, which provides free counselling services to bereaved parents who have lost a child or young person suddenly. Over 2,000 people received support from the charity last year.
During the opening ceremony today, parents and children blew bubbles before setting out on their Memory Walk. They were joined by the charity's patron Sabina Higgins.
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Speaking today, FirstLight CEO Fionnuala Sheahan said: "This is an opportunity for those who have lost a child in the past to come together with others in similar circumstances, to bring their friends and their families along with them and it's to remember their child who died, it's to celebrate their life."
The location for today's event was of special importance to Tomás Fay and Tatiana da Silva Souza. The couple lost their daughter Lorena at just 20 days old in 2016.
St Anne's Park was a place the couple regularly visited when Tatiana was pregnant. The couple spoke of the importance of meeting other families who have also lost a child.
Tomas said: "Family and friends can only do so much, you can't expect them to do much more because they don't know, they've never experienced it. We're trying to spread the message that there is support out there."
Also taking part were April and Mark Geraghty. Along with their two daughters, they were walking to remember their son Morgan. The couple were expecting twins, however during the pregnancy they discovered that Morgan was unwell.
April said: "The joy of welcoming Rosha into the family and then having to say goodbye to Morgan after he was born. It was very mixed emotions."
She added that "He will always be a part of our lives".
FirstLight organise walks across Ireland. The next Memory Walk is due to take place in Limerick on 29 September.
The charity is also preparing for Baby Loss Awareness Week which will be held from 9-15 October.
During those seven days buildings around Ireland will be encouraged to turn pink or blue. People will also be encouraged to wear pink or blue ribbons.
The week will culminate with a Wave of Light on 15 October, when households will be asked to light a candle in memory of children who died suddenly.
