A STOCKTON Heath mum-of-three recognised for 'making a difference' to families who have experienced baby loss has expressed her pride after being nominated for an award.

Rachel Aitken, 33, who works at Orford Road-based Knox and Son Funeral Directors, along with husband Neil, has been shortlisted in the bereavement worker category of The Butterfly Awards.

Through her job as a funeral director, Rachel is tasked with assisting families in ensuring their babies are given the most fitting final journey.

But she also delivers talks on issues surrounding baby loss and educates medical professionals and delegates at seminars and study days.

The former accountant, who is mum to Macy, Freya and Lex, will make her way to Worcester next Saturday, October 15, for the awards ceremony but she admits the kind words from those she has supported have left her stunned.

She said: "It is a very emotional job but we would not choose anything else.

"We think we have the best job in the world – there are not many jobs where you get to help people every day and go home knowing you have made a difference.

"You know what you do but when you actually see what people are saying it is very humbling.

"I would be hugely honoured to win the award."

In just over a week the awards will have been decided but regardless of the outcome in her category, Rachel has vowed to continue helping those in need of support.

She added: "Death is such a taboo subject, which not many people speak about, more so in the case of infant loss.

"Let's continue what we have started, dispel the myths and erase the taboo status surrounding death, in particular infant loss – together our voice is louder, bolder and harder to ignore."

For further information visit thebutterflyawards.com