A SPECIAL tree to remember babies who have died during pregnancy or shortly after birth has been given an extra layer of protection with a special steel halo.

The Inverclyde Tree of Tranquility sits in Gourock Park and was installed by the charity SiMBA, with support from the council.

The handmade copper sculpture has 85 engraved leaves bearing the name and special message from a bereaved family.

After it became damaged last year, a steel 'halo' has now been specially designed to encircle the tree and protect it, including plaques to explain what it is and raise awareness about infant deaths and the impact they have on families.

Gourock mum Karyn Jenkins, who was instrumental in the memorial's installation in memory of her daughter Sophie Louise, said: "The tree is such an important place for us to remember our little angel and having a memorial to her so close to us that we can visit is so special.

"The halo will be a fantastic addition to protect the tree for all the families who have leaves on it and to educate people about why the tree is so important.

"Having our angels all together in one special place gives us all comfort, and means we know they are gone, but never forgotten.”

The tree was damaged in September and local firm McGill's Buses kindly stepped in to pay for it to be repaired.

The halo is aimed at increasing security.

Funding for the ornamental steel fence has come from McGill's Buses, Amazon, and the local Co-op shops.

Councillor Lynne Quinn, Inverclyde’s women’s champion, told us: "I am delighted that the halo has now been fitted to ensure the ongoing safety of the memorial tree.

"The tree has been a source of comfort for many families here in Inverclyde since its installation in 2020."

Gillian Wells of SiMBA says the tree is a special symbol to many local people.

She said: “For some families when they add a leaf to the tree, it is the first time that they have ever written their baby's name.

"It is so important for us to protect our beautiful sculpture."

Council leader Stephen McCabe says the local authority has been fully behind the memorial from the outset.

He said: "The addition of the halo will give added protection to the tree but, more importantly, explain what it represents and how people can request a leaf.

"I congratulate the work of everyone involved in creating the Inverclyde Tree of Tranquillity and for these new additions, especially Karyn Jenkins and SiMBA, who have been instrumental in making it happen.”

Sandy Easdale, owner of McGill's, said: "The tree is quite a poignant piece of art and touches everyone's heartstrings.

"The halo stops it from being damaged and I feel it is a worthwhile donation."

Gillian Maxwell, community champion with Amazon, added: "We are delighted to continue to support Simba."

*You can learn more about SiMBA and request a leaf for the Inverclyde Tree of Tranquillity by visiting www.simbacharity.org.uk