A long-serving lawyer and county coroner has been welcomed as a pregnancy and baby loss charity’s latest patron.
William Armstrong is stepping into the role for TimeNorfolk, and has described it as an “immense privilege”.
He said: “The loss of a baby at whatever stage and in whatever circumstance, is a loss like no other.
“Those who experience and endure such loss feel that part of their own life has been taken away forever.”
He added that he had always admired and valued the “tremendous support” given by TimeNorfolk to those living with such devastating and life-changing loss.
The Norfolk-born lawyer was a coroner for nearly two decades and a mental health tribunal judge for 30 years. He also served as a legal assessor to the General Medical Council and an appeal tribunal judge.
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He has played a leading role in public affairs and organisations in the county and is a past Sheriff of Norwich. He was given an OBE in 2014.
He was also the founder chair of Healthwatch Norfolk and has for many years promoted and supported the provision of services for the bereaved in the county.
Paying tribute to TimeNorfolk, he said he was looking forward to championing and promoting what he described as “this brilliant organisation”.
The charity's chief executive, Fiona Gosden, said: “We are delighted to welcome William Amstrong as a patron.
“His extensive experience in the field of bereavement across Norfolk is incredibly valuable.
“His warm and empathetic nature is an encouragement to our staff and volunteers as we support people affected by pregnancy loss, baby loss and pregnancy choices.”
TimeNorfolk provides wellbeing support to anyone in Norfolk and Waveney affected by pregnancy loss at any stage, pregnancy choice, or baby loss.
Visit the website www.timenorfolk.org.uk/support for more information.
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