‘It allows us to keep providing meaningful support to families’

A Sunderland charity has received a great boost in its plans to help grieving children who have lost a brother or sister.

4Louis helps families across the country from its base in Pallion | Sunderland Echo

placeholder image — 4Louis helps families across the country from its base in Pallion | Sunderland Echo

A housebuilder has donated funds to 4Louis as it continues its vital work in backing families through miscarriage, stillbirth and child loss.

Barratt and David Wilson Homes has donated £1,500 to 4Louis which was founded by Kirsty Knight, Louis’ mother, following the heartbreaking loss of her son.

Louis was born stillborn in December 2009 and Kirsty was inspired to create the charity in his memory.

4Louis now works across the country to support anyone affected by miscarriage, stillbirth and the death of a child. It also works to improve the support families receive from healthcare and other professionals after a loss.

The Barratt Homes Community Fund donation to 4Louis. | other 3rd party

Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ donation was made as part of The Barratt Redrow Foundation, which is designed to support national and local charities to leave a legacy in the communities in which the housebuilder operates.

The Barratt Redrow Foundation is celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2026. Since its launch, it has committed £20 million to charities and good causes, supported over 2,000 different charities, and is estimated to have directly impacted 100,000 young people each year.

Yasmin McGurrell, Operations Manager at 4Louis, said: “We were delighted to be selected for the Community Fund donation. It was a wonderful surprise and came at a crucial time for us as we continue to expand our services.

Kirsty has won many awards for her inspirational work, including a Sunderland Echo Best of Wearside award. | se

“The funds will be used to create sibling packs for hospitals across the UK. These packs will support children that have lost a brother or sister. The packs will include items such as journals, books, small toys and a gentle grief-support book to help them to express and understand their feelings.

“Donations like this make a huge difference to our charity. It allows us to keep providing meaningful support to families during some of the hardest moments of their lives. Funding helps us to create resources, such as the sibling packs, memory boxes and other items that bring comfort and connection.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to Barratt and David Wilson Homes. It is incredibly encouraging to know that Barratt and David Wilson Homes recognises our work and has chosen to support it.”

Steven Ball, Sales Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes North East, said: “It is important to us at Barratt and David Wilson Homes to support charities and services that offer an essential service to our communities.”