About Us

Sometimes there are no words, no words to explain how you feel inside, how much you hurt. Sometimes all we have is that last kiss that says everything.

Run By Three

As a small charity, run entirely by the three of us, we may not offer direct one-on-one support for families, but we can guide you to the right places, the right resources. We’re exploring new avenues, extending our wings into schools to support children and young people who’ve experienced the loss of a sibling. Holding space is where the journey towards healing begins, and we’re eager to explore every avenue.

If you wish to stand with us in this mission, consider holding a fundraising event or remember us in your will. Support comes in many forms, and every contribution, no matter how small, goes directly into our work. We’re a rare gem, a charity where every single penny goes into the mission we’re so passionate about. 

Together, we can make a difference, honour the memories of those we’ve lost, and ensure that no one has to bear the weight of grief alone. We’re here for you, and we’ll stand by your side every step of the way.

Meet The Trustees

Annika Palmer

Co-Founder

Keely Pierce

Co-Founder

Eleanor Stafford

Trustee

I am the Co-founder of The Last Kiss Foundation, Experiencing babyloss is a devastating experience, Samantha Alice was born at 23 weeks and 4 days, I got to hold her and cherish those moments with her, something I wasn’t able to do for the other 7 babies I was mum too. I hope our work here through The Last Kiss Foundation provides a warm, supportive environment for families and also supports healthcare professionals to provide the best care through advanced training and development.

Hey, I’m the Co-founder, and when Annika and I first met, we discovered our shared passion for supporting families during challenging times.

In 2014, I experienced two miscarriages, one of which was at 11 weeks. Though unexpected, both pregnancies were deeply wanted. Coping with the loss, my go-to has always been keeping busy with work and projects. What better way to keep busy than to help those who have experienced the same journey and for me to give back.

I serve as a trustee for The Last Kiss Foundation, and while I am grateful to have been spared the heartache of losing a child, my commitment to the principles and mission of The Last Kiss Foundation runs deep. As a mother of two, I find it impossible to truly grasp the overwhelming grief that accompanies the loss of a child. However, my heart is filled with compassion, and a profound desire to support and uplift those who are enduring such a painful journey.

Vision Statement:

“At The Last Kiss Foundation, our vision is to foster a compassionate world where individuals experiencing grief and bereavement find solace and support throughout their journey. Building on our legacy of enhancing hospital maternity units, we are expanding our reach and services to address the broader spectrum of grief.

Our commitment remains steadfast in supporting hospital maternity units by providing bespoke equipment to enhance bereavement facilities, empowering midwives to deliver personalized care during difficult times. Additionally, we strive to elevate the standard of care by offering specialized grief training programs for midwives and healthcare professionals.

In line with our evolving mission, we are extending our impact beyond hospital walls. Our vision now encompasses comprehensive grief education initiatives in schools and workplaces, promoting empathy, resilience, and a deeper understanding of the grieving process. By fostering open conversations and creating supportive environments, we aim to equip individuals with the tools to navigate grief effectively.

As we broaden our scope, The Last Kiss Foundation envisions a world where communities unite to embrace, educate, and uplift one another through the shared human experience of loss. Together, we aspire to be a beacon of hope, providing meaningful resources and fostering a culture of empathy that transcends the boundaries of grief, illuminating the path towards healing and resilience for all

A word from Annika:

“In 2014 I started a new business and in doing so created a vision board of the goals I wanted to achieve and my aspirations for the future. I wanted to create a charity that supported bereaved families during their stay in hospital after experiencing a miscarriage, stillbirth or premature death of their baby.  Through personal experience I understand the importance of having a sympathetic environment in which to begin the grieving process; by providing bespoke equipment to enhance the bereavement facilities in maternity units this enables midwives to give more personalised support.  Also providing the most valuable gift that can be given when you experience the pain and heartbreak of loss – time, time to say goodbye when you are ready.”

Navigating the Journey of Baby Loss and the Shapes of Grief

Over the last eight years, our journey has been one of holding space, of opening conversations around baby loss. It’s in the everyday encounters where we’ve mentioned our charity, and in the most random of conversations, we’ve heard the most beautiful yet heart-wrenching stories. The taboos around grief are a harsh reality, leaving so many to suffer silently. We’re here to be a supportive presence, no matter where you are on your path.