Volunteer Week - Gemma Whittaker

I have had the pleasure of working alongside Gemma for many years, as a baby-loss mum, since she joined our members' club, and as a volunteer for APUK and Making Memories Handmade. I have supported her journey with James and her navigation through grief. She has found her creative side and enjoys working across our fundraising platforms, as well as supporting parents with personalised graphics, motivational quotes, and attending online workshops. I am so proud of how she has overcome so many barriers and the energy she puts into her work.

Gemma's journey as a Volunteer

My name is Gemma, and I am a baby loss mum to my son, Baby Boo Whittaker, who was born sleeping on 6 April 2019 at 20 weeks’ gestation. He is the reason I began volunteering in November 2023, and he continues to be at the heart of everything I do.

I am also mum to two older daughters, Lilly‑Anna (13) and Alice (12). Losing Baby Boo, my youngest and the only child my husband James and I have together, was the most profound heartbreak of my life. We are still on our journey towards our rainbow, and James has been my constant source of strength throughout. We have created special spaces for Boo both in our living room and in our garden, lovingly known as Boo’s Corner, where we can honour him every day.

Becoming a volunteer for APUK and being part of the baby loss community has been an important part of my grief journey. It has given me purpose at a time when I felt lost. Like many parents on this path, I have experienced moments where everything felt overwhelming and I wanted to withdraw from the world. Over time, I have learned to recognise these moments as part of grief — the natural ebb and flow of good days and difficult ones. Changing my mindset and allowing myself to feel, rather than suppress, has been a significant step in my healing.

Volunteering has allowed me to honour Baby Boo’s memory in a meaningful way, especially through the cards and graphics I create for families. He inspires my creativity and remains my “why” — the reason I continue to show up and support others. It is a privilege to create something special for families who are walking a similar path.

Volunteering also fits well around family life. Both of my girls help each year with distributing Acts of Kindness packs in our local area and supporting key awareness milestones. My youngest, Alice, will be moving up to secondary school in September, joining her sister Lilly‑Anna, who will be entering Year 9.

Honouring Boo, supporting others, and being part of a compassionate community has helped me find strength, purpose, and connection after loss. I am grateful to be able to give back in his name. #volunteersweek #volunteers #handmadewithlove #angelparents #thankyouiformakingadifference #babylosscommunity #togetherwearestronger

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