Silent Footprints Foundation launches Hidden Heart Project
HIDDEN HEARTS PROJECT
Silent Footprints Foundation launches Hidden Heart Project to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week
by Danni Murphy
Baby loss has a profound impact on so many lives and is far more common than many realise. In fact, one in five women will experience a miscarriage at some point, and no matter the stage of pregnancy, losing a baby is a deeply painful and traumatic experience.
Every October, the world remembers babies lost too soon during Baby Loss Awareness Week, which culminates on October 15th with the Global Wave of Light — a moment when candles are lit across the globe in memory of the little ones no longer with us.
This year, The Silent Footprints Foundation has found a creative and heartfelt way to raise awareness while spreading a little love. Their Hidden Heart Project will see up to 350 hand-painted hearts hidden across West Cumbria and Carlisle.
The colourful hearts will be tucked away in parks, along walking routes, within local businesses, and in other surprising places—waiting to brighten someone’s day.
Gail Dobson-Burns, founder of The Silent Footprints Foundation, explained: “It was an idea from Jen, our co-founder, as a means of raising awareness for baby loss while also signposting people to places where they can get support if they are dealing with the agony of baby loss.”
Each heart includes a small card with a scannable code linking directly to the Silent Footprints website, where people can find information on support groups and resources.
Gail added: “We’d like to think some of these hearts might fall into the right hands—maybe someone who’s been affected by baby loss or just having a tough time. People are welcome to keep the hearts if they resonate with them, or they can re-hide them for someone else to discover.”
The project takes inspiration from community initiatives like Look for a Book and painted rock hunts, but with a deeply personal and meaningful twist.
If you’re lucky enough to find one of these hidden treasures, take a moment to reflect on the love and awareness it represents. Whether you keep it as a reminder or pass it along, each heart carries a message of support, connection, and hope.
Don’t suffer in silence. Silent Footprints offer a warm, safe, and inclusive space for anyone affected by pregnancy or infant loss at any stage.
www.silentfootprintsfoundation.org
To learn more about what’s happening, follow Cumbria Guide on our social media
Share It:
