The History of
Anam Cara Fasgadh

A Journey of Loss and Inspiration

Anam Cara Fasgadh is the culmination of the individual hopes and aspirations of the Founders to make a difference in the lives of families who have experienced the death of a baby, child or young person.

In the UK each year an estimated 17,000+* families were bereaved through stillbirth or the death of an infant, child or young person up to the age of 25 and a further estimated 250,000* families experience a miscarriage.

During their time volunteering together, friends Michael McGuire, Jenni Morris, Andrew Simpson and Susan Simpson had shared with each other their visions for supporting bereaved families. One such vision, first discussed by Andrew and Michael, was to offer families a short break or holiday somewhere peaceful and serene while grieving their loss. And from those conversations of shared hopes and dreams, Anam Cara Fasgadh came to be.

Background…

In March 2017, following passionate campaigning from Swansea East MP Carolyn Harris, the Welsh Government announced that they were scrapping fees for children's funerals in Wales. Carolyn, who had struggled to meet the costs for her son Martin’s funeral, then took the campaign to Westminster and in March 2018 the Childrens Funeral Fund was established. The UK Government agreed to waive the fees charged by all local authorities for funerals. Martin’s Legacy was rolling out across the country, bringing support and comfort at the most difficult times for bereaved families. Anam Cara Fasgadh is honoured to have Carolyn’s support as Patron.

Inspired by the success in the Welsh & Westminster Parliaments, and because of his own struggles when his firstborn son Kyle was born still, Lochaber Dad Michael McGuire met with his MSP Kate Forbes and lodged Petition PE01697: Child Funeral Fund, asking the Scottish Parliament to establish a Child Funeral Fund to cover the costs of a funeral for families who lose a child. Having a deep, personal understanding of the pain of losing a child, Michael’s friends Jenni, Andrew & Susan lobbied friends, family and MSPs to support the Petition.

On 30 May 2018, the Scottish Government announced the removal of all local authority charges for burials and cremations of those under 18. This is the day the Founders have adopted as the formation of the charity Anam Cara Fasgadh.

Between them the Founders have decades of experience working for and volunteering with a range of different charities - they are passionate about sourcing and offering quality care and support for bereaved families, passionate about providing love and shelter for the bereaved soul.

* Figures obtained from Office for National Statistics, Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency, National Records of Scotland, and Miscarriage Association.