BEREAVED parents have been left heartbroken after hearing a beautiful sculpture created in memory of their babies has been destroyed in an act of mindless vandalism.

The Bolton News reported yesterday how the artwork ­— which formed a poignant centrepiece of a baby memorial garden at the Royal Bolton Hospital ­— has been vandalised beyond repair.

It is the third time the specially commissioned sculpture in the baby memorial garden has been damaged, but this time it cannot be restored.

Matthew Vause, who along with his former partner, Claire Lister, were one two sets of parents who helped unveil it in September 2017. They lost their baby.

He said: "She rang me in tears on Friday night telling me it has been broken.

"The sculpture meant so much to us and other people, and how could somebody do this."

The ribbon was also cut by Russ and Debbie Chadwick who also lost a baby at the hospital. The four raised almost £10,000 between them towards the project.

"You think should we do something, but will it happen again and we can't keep going through this."

He added: "If anybody knows anything or has any information then they should come forward ­— things like this just can't keep happening."

The sculpture was created by Victoria Lynch who won a competition for art students at the University of Bolton, with the £5,000 cost being met by Bolton NHS Foundation Trust's charitable fund. The artwork represents a tree with the parents’ hands clasped in the form of wings — and parents visiting the garden will be able to leave messages on pebbles in remembrance of their child, placed around the base.

A child’s hand is incorporated into the design.

Victoria said: "I am deeply saddened by this mindless destruction of the sculpture, mostly for the parents, grandparents and siblings who worked so hard to raise the money to commission the sculpture and to refurbish the garden."

The destruction comes just weeks before the hospital holds its annual remembrance service for babies and children. It will take place on April 7 at 3pm at Bridge Church in Bradford Street.

The hospital is appealing for information to catch those responsible.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1061 of 12/03/19 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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