A bereavement midwife from Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award recognising outstanding support for families affected by pregnancy loss and the death of a baby.

Fay Martin has been named a finalist for the Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care 2026, presented by the baby loss charity Sands.

She helps people across the east of the South Hams including Totnes and Dartmouth.

The award celebrates the vital work of midwives, nurses and healthcare professionals who provide exceptional care and support to bereaved parents during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Fay was nominated by bereaved mother who wanted to recognise the compassion, kindness and support Fay provided during and after the birth of her twins.

The nomination said: “These moments, though deeply painful, are ones I will always cherish, and they were only possible because of her kindness and guidance.

"She supported us through the most devastating decisions and moments of our lives with dignity, honesty and respect, ensuring our twins were always spoken about, treated as individuals and remembered with care.

From the earliest days in fetal medicine through to our termination for medical reasons, I truly do not believe I would have been able to get through that period without her."

Bereavement midwives play a crucial role in supporting families through pregnancy loss and baby loss, helping parents navigate complex emotions and decisions while ensuring they receive compassionate, personalised care.

Fay said: "Families will remember every detail of the time spent with their baby.

“Being part of that memory is a privilege and it is so important that we do everything we can to meet the needs they may not yet know they have.

"Holding the space and listening are key to understanding what each family needs. Providing gentle reassurance that their emotions and feelings are valid and normal under these hugely difficult circumstances is an important part of our role. This nomination reflects the relationships that develop as families navigate baby loss and grief and is one of the many reasons I feel lucky to say I love my job."

Fay's shortlisting is a testament to the extraordinary compassion, dedication and professionalism she brings to supporting families during their darkest moments. Her nomination highlights the profound impact that skilled and empathetic bereavement care can have on parents and families facing unimaginable loss.

The winner of the Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care 2026 will be announced at an awards ceremony at the Houses of Parliament in London in September.

Formed in 2015, Torbay and South Devon are one of the first NHS Trusts in England to have integrated their acute and community health services with adult social care.

As an integrated care organisation, they work with their partners to deliver safe, high-quality health and adult social care services for the people of Torbay and South Devon.

They serve approximately 292,000 residents and an additional 100,000 visitors during the summer holiday period.