Barton pop-up Christmas market hits decade milestone in memory of baby Joseph

Rachel and Jonathan Lees who organise the Christmas market at Barton

A much loved pop-up Christmas market which has raised more than £30,000 for Baby Beat since 2015 will take place for 10th time this Wednesday (27 November).

Taking place at Barton Village Hall, doors will open at 6pm for Christmas gift hunters to browse more than 30 stalls selling unique, largely home crafted presents such as jewellery, bath and beauty products, candles, fudge and cakes. There will also be a tombola stall, raffle and refreshments.

The market’s organisers are Barton husband and wife duo Jonathan and Rachel Lees, who are helped by family and friends.

The couple, who both work in finance for the NHS, decided to fundraise for the charity after being supported by Baby Beat-funded projects following the birth of their first baby, Joseph, who, tragically, was a stillbirth pregnancy in July 2015.

Rachel said: “I had had a straight forward pregnancy and labour. We were in total shock and disbelief.

“Jonathan and I stayed together on the delivery suite over the next few days and Joseph was able to stay with us. During this time, we bathed and dressed Joseph and had plenty of cuddles with him. We took lots of photos and made hand and footprints.

“Having time on the unit allowed us to make some wonderful memories that we will treasure forever in our hearts. We were offered practical support to help with things such as the birth registration and making decisions about a post mortem and funeral arrangements. The care and support that we received allowed us come to terms with what had happened.”

Joanthan and Rachel with baby son Ethan, who was born in April

Rachel added: “We found out that Baby Beat had funded the suite we stayed on and facilitates stillbirth research and offers bereavement counselling, which is why we decided to raise money for the charity in loving memory of Joseph. That first market also gave us something to focus on.”

Rachel, who in April this year gave birth to their second child, son Ethan, added: “Over the years, the market has become a tradition. As one market ends, we have people saying they’ll see us again next year and as soon as it starts getting towards November, others start asking us when the market is on and telling us it marks the start of Christmas for them.”

Joanna Allitt, fundraising manager for Baby Beat, said: “Rachel and Jonathan have raised a phenomenal amount of money for Baby Beat over the years for which we are extremely grateful. They organise a truly lovely festive event and I’m sure that in the future, their Christmas market will help Ethan get to know his much loved big brother Joseph.”

As well as the market, the couple have an online fundraising page for Baby Beat in Joseph’s memory.

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