The charity “Children Are Butterflies” was established by Ann Hollowell (Dip FD, NAFD, BIFD) in 2007. We are recognised by HM Revenues & Customs under Charity Tax number XT22906.

My name is Ann Hollowell, and I am a Funeral Director, a partner in my family’s business B Hollowell & Son based in Abington in Northampton. I began working for the company in 1991 and qualified as Funeral Director in 1995.

I have been where you are today, I have lost children at various gestational periods from 6 to 21 weeks. Each time the pain was unbearable and I was left with so many questions. Why me? Was it something I did? Was it my fault? Nature can be cruel and quite often there is no answer, sometimes life is unfair and there are events that we can have no control over.

On the positive side, out of all the heartache I have two beautiful daughters who are my inspiration and I have met many many families who have suffered tragedy but then gone on to receive the gift of beautiful children.