An Ipswich-based organisation which helps to support families that have experienced miscarriage and child loss is appealing for more volunteers to come forward as it continues in its quest to become a registered charity.

Ipswich Star: Michelle McGunnagle started Bear for an Angel, which provides packages to parents who have lost children, after she lost four of her own children.Michelle McGunnagle started Bear for an Angel, which provides packages to parents who have lost children, after she lost four of her own children.

Ipswich mum Michelle McGunnagle, who has experienced miscarriage, started Bear for an Angel in 2010 to help support families in similar circumstances.

The group part-funds care packages, which are sent to families and include a teddy bear, wishing stars, a certificate, tea light and a poem written by Mrs McGunnagle.

It has already helped in excess of 400 families worldwide - with packages being sent as far as Australia - however Mrs McGunnagle is appealing for more volunteers to come forward to ensure Bear for an Angel can continue.

The roles are predominantly being sought for admin support, and to help at the Bear for an Angel day of hope fun day in August.

“Becoming a registered charity seems a long way off yet as we don’t currently have enough volunteers to achieve this goal,” said Mrs McGunnagle. “For the admin support team we need bereaved parents who want to give back to the baby loss community by providing emotional support in the form of poems, raising awareness and helping with fundraising. They must be available a few times a week and able to use social media such as Facebook and Twitter.

“We need people to help out on our day of hope fun day, selling balloons, doing the grand draw and general duties.

“It is so important to keep fundraising so that we can continue our memory packages for families affected by pregnancy, baby and child loss, some who would otherwise have nothing tangible to acknowledge their precious babies, sadly gone too soon.

“The applications keep on coming with one in four women suffering a miscarriage. I am one in four, and really want to help make a change and carry on helping others like me. It’s a legacy for my angel babies Tayten, Teagan, Zane and Twinkle.”

The day of hope fun day is being held at Foxhall Community Centre on Saturday, August 13 from 10am-4pm. Performers are being sought to offer their services for free, with pip Duffy, the Ipswich hospital choir and CDC street dance already signed up.

For more information or to volunteer, visit www.bearforanangel.co.uk/get-involved.html or email bfaabears@gmail.com