Kym Marsh joined bereaved families across the UK in marking Baby Loss Awareness Week by lighting a candle for her late son Archie.
The Coronation Street star’s little boy tragically died in 2009 after being born 18 weeks early.
Baby Loss Awareness Week came to an end on October 15, with a Wave of Light event in which families who have lost a baby light a candle at the same time.
Read more: EastEnders fans outraged by latest exit
Writing in her new OK! magazine column, Kym said: “We lit a candle for Archie – we always think about him anyway, but it was a more intense moment and obviously there were a few tears.”
Archie’s father is Kym’s ex-husband, Hollyoaks actor Jamie Lomas.
Kym, 41, said: “I’m so pleased more people are talking about their loss now and being able to help with conversation has helped me enormously.”
She used her magazine column to urge people to continue talking – and encouraged friends and families of those who have experienced loss to not be afraid to ask them about it.
The soap star said fellow Coronation Street actress Jane Danson believes she “suffered” for not speaking out after her devastating miscarriage.
“Although Jane lost her baby at a different time to me, the message we’re trying to give out is it doesn’t matter what gestation you’ve lost a child, you’ve still lost a child,” said Kym.
“From the minute you find out you’re pregnant, that’s your baby. It doesn’t matter what science says, you’ve made plans already.”
Kym also marked Baby Loss Awareness Week with a poignant post to Twitter.
“Today is international pregnancy and infant loss day. Today we remember not only our own angel but other people’s too,” she wrote.
“It’s still such a taboo subject, baby loss, no one likes to talk about it, but you know, it’s the only thing that helps you find your way back from the darkness.
“It’s the only thing that helps you rebuild your jigsaw, helps you learn to accept what’s happened, accept you can’t bring your baby back, but learn that you’re not alone.
Read more: Corrie viewers in tears over Seb’s harrowing storyline
“It’s a lonely, lonely place if you’re silent. Encourage those who have lost to share, be there to listen and cry with them if they want to.
“Let’s break the silence.”
Kym shared a poem called The Cord, which included the line: “Though you are gone, though you’re not here with me, the cord is still there, but no one can see.”
As well as being mum to Archie, she has children David, 22, Emilie, 19, and Polly, six.