Charity plans baby loss memorial garden at Noble's Hospital

Arlo’s Adventure is appealing for help from the Manx community to transform an unused courtyard

A Manx charity set up in memory of a premature baby who died shortly after birth is planning to create a baby loss memorial garden at Noble’s Hospital.

Arlo’s Adventure says it has been allocated a courtyard within the hospital grounds which it hopes to transform into a peaceful space where families can remember babies they have lost.

The charity was established in memory of Arlo Arthur Owen, who was born at 27 weeks’ gestation and spent his life in the neonatal unit at Liverpool Women’s Hospital before dying at six weeks old after being diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis, a rare condition affecting the immune system.

Arlo’s parents created the charity to support other families facing similar experiences.

Plans for the garden include a remembrance area for families affected by baby loss, as well as a quiet retreat space for those going through complicated pregnancies or with babies being cared for in the neonatal unit.

While primarily intended to support those families, the space would remain open to the public as a place for reflection within the hospital grounds.

The charity says the courtyard is currently an unused area with trees and shrubs, but believes it could become a meaningful place for the Island community.

Arlo’s Adventure is now appealing for support from volunteers and businesses, including help with garden design, landscaping, electrics, seating and plants to bring the project to life.