A BEREAVED mother's tribute to the midwife who supported her through the loss of her twins has helped bring national recognition to a healthcare professional from South Devon.

Fay Martin, pictured third from left, a bereavement midwife at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, was among eight midwives and healthcare professionals shortlisted for the Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care 2026.

She attended the Sands Baby Loss Awards in September, where she was presented with a finalist award in recognition of the compassionate care she provided to families experiencing pregnancy loss and baby loss.

Fay was nominated by Rachel, a bereaved mother who wanted to recognise the kindness, compassion and support she received from the midwife during and after the loss of her twins.

One of the most poignant moments of the ceremony came when the twins’ names were read aloud as part of Rachel’s nomination, helping to ensure their memory was honoured and remembered.

Fay described the moment as an incredibly moving tribute, reflecting the importance of remembering babies who have died and supporting the families left grieving.

She said: ‘I feel incredibly humbled and overwhelmed to have received this recognition.

‘What means the most to me is that, while dealing with the loss of their twins, Rachel took the time to nominate me.

‘Their kindness and generosity in doing that is something I will never forget.

‘Building a trusting relationship with families at such a deeply difficult time is a privilege and it is an honour that I never take for granted.

‘To know that the care I provided made a difference when it was needed most is very special.

‘It was a huge honour to be shortlisted and invited to Westminster.

‘I am grateful to the family for their trust and for sharing their experience’.

The Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care celebrates healthcare professionals who provide exceptional support to families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Helen Wilson, a midwife at The Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, was named the winner at the ceremony.

Fay received her finalist award from Clea Harmer, chief executive of Sands, and Andy MacNae, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Baby Loss.

Nicola McMinn, chief nurse at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said the organisation was incredibly proud of Fay and her national recognition.

She said: ‘Bereavement midwives provide compassionate, specialist care to families at some of the most heartbreaking and life-changing moments they will ever experience.

‘The support they offer extends far beyond clinical care, helping families create precious memories, navigate difficult decisions and feel supported through their grief’.

She added that Fay embodied the values of kindness, empathy and personalised care, describing Rachel’s nomination as a testament to the profound impact the midwife had made during an unimaginably difficult time.

Around 45 families in South Devon experience the loss of a baby before, during or shortly after birth each year.

Bereavement midwives provide specialist support to parents navigating the complex emotions and decisions that follow pregnancy loss or the death of a baby, helping families receive compassionate, personalised care.

Sands, the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity, has supported people affected by pregnancy and baby loss for more than 40 years.

The charity offers a range of services, including a free, confidential telephone helpline, email support and online group sessions for bereaved parents and families.