Pregnancy loss charity struggles to fund tear-jerking exhibition in Bethnal Green

Bex Gunn (left) and Laura Buckingham (right), co-founders of The Worst Girl Gang Ever Foundation

Pregnancy loss charity ‘The Worst Girl Gang Ever’ has launched a temporary exhibition at Bethnal Green’s Vagina Museum to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week (9 – 15 October).

However, the charity also shared that they are in a constant state of financial precarity, relying almost exclusively on crowdfunding to sustain their peer-support services.

The exhibition, titled “Just Because We Smile, Doesn’t Mean We’re Over It”, displayed visual infographics with over 100 individuals telling their stories of pregnancy loss. Contributors included Sky News Presenter Leah Boleto and Hollyoaks actor Jessica Fox.

Co-founder and Wedding Photographer Bex Gunn travelled the length of the UK to photograph contributors for the exhibition. She described the emotional responses sparked by the display: “it has been very hard for families. Everyone who has come round to see their person’s picture has sobbed.”

But financing the exhibition was a difficult ride. Co-founder Laura Buckingham stated that the charity is “99% crowdfunded,” adding that their constant pleas for community fundraising feel uncomfortable. “People can’t afford to make ends meet at the moment, so asking for donations is tough.”

The Lewes-based charity, founded in 2020, became a registered charity in 2024. Previously, the charity had paywalled their online support resources and workshops, but a £20,000 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund in 2025 enabled them to offer their services for free.

The demand for the foundation’s support is striking: a recent survey conducted by the charity found that 42 per cent of respondents experienced thoughts of self-harm or suicide following baby loss.

However, funding momentum has slowed. The lack of external grants has forced the foundation to frequently re-evaluate their services, said Katie Ratcliffe, Chair Trustee. “We are constantly under review. It does mean we have to make difficult trade-offs.” She remarked that the Bethnal Green exhibition will likely result in a loss rather than a profit.