About Us

About Matilda’s Mission

Matilda’s Mission has been set up in loving memory of Matilda Evelyn Walker.

Matilda was stillborn in 2019 at 36 weeks and 4 days. Her loss came as a complete shock after what had been, until then, a ‘textbook’ pregnancy. It was later discovered that her passing was due to undiagnosed placental insufficiencies.

In the nine months that followed, Matt & Chelsie endured the heartbreak of three early miscarriages, a time marked by grief, confusion, and deep loneliness.

We are acutely aware of how devastating both baby and child loss can be at any age and at any stage. We know how isolating and life-altering this journey is, and that’s why our doors are open to anyone who has experienced the death of a child.

Why We Exist

In the early days of Chelsie & Matt’s grief, they were fortunate to be supported by a wonderful local charity offering monthly peer support meetings. These sessions were a lifeline. However, as the charity’s focus shifted to meet growing demand in other areas, support in Lancaster was no longer available.

We knew then that something had to continue. Something gentle. Something safe. Something real.

That’s how Matilda’s Mission came to life. Not as professionals or therapists, but as families who understand. The team who run the group can’t claim to know exactly how you are feeling, but they do know how it feels to lose a child, and to live with that loss every day.

What we can offer is compassion, care, and a safe space where you’re never expected to explain your pain, but you’re always welcome to share it.

Whilst set up in Matilda’s memory the group is about every single family who come through the door in memory of every baby and child not at home.

What We Offer

We hold informal support meetings ran by parent volunteers with lived experience in the Lancaster and surrounding areas, welcoming:

• Bereaved parents

• Grandparents

• Siblings

• Any family member affected by baby or child loss

There’s no pressure to talk. Come as you are; to listen, to speak, or simply to be with others who might just slightly get it.

We know that grief looks different for everyone. What feels right for one person may not for the next. That’s why we keep things flexible, gentle, and entirely at your own pace.

You Are Not Alone

At Matilda’s Mission, we hold space for every story. There is no timeline, no right way to grieve, no expectation.

Just love. And understanding. And a hand to hold when you need one.

We’re here, if and when you’re ready.

With all our hearts,
The Matilda’s Mission Team