Mother's heartbreak over demand to clear ornaments from baby daughter's grave

A BEREAVED mother has spoken of her heartache after being told she has just under a week to collect items from her daughter’s grave before they're removed.

- By GEORGE LYTHGOE

St Barnabas Church, in Shore, Lit-tleborough, Rochdale, will impose new rules from this weekend. It means items placed on graves - except fresh flowers - will be removed.

That includes toys, ornaments, crosses, artificial flowers, pictures and paintings. A sign outlines the new rules to visitors.

Danielle Almond, whose stillborn daughter Isla was laid to rest there in 2007, is one of many upset by the move by the Diocese of Manchester.

“T didn’t know anything about it,” the 40-year-old said. “I can’t say I've seen any sign. I have only a few days to move stuff off her grave. It has come as a complete shock. It’s just horrible as that is where we remember her and put memorabilia.

“] just think it’s ridiculous. If we pay for a plot we should be able to do what we want with it.

“T just have a few ornaments there. Itmakes it personal for baby loss.

“T would expect the Church of England to have a little more empathy with the grieving.