Brides donate wedding dresses to make clothes for sick babies

The NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown Program, which is approaching its one year anniversary, redesigns donated wedding dresses into special gowns for babies being treated in Neonatal Intensive Care Units.

The cute pieces are given to families as gifts for babies' final photos or when the child is laid to rest.

The scheme which began in Australia last March has grown across the globe, thanks to social media.

More than 700 seamstresses are working voluntarily for the organisation, and their Facebook page has nearly 30,000 likes.

"There is no greater gift that can be given to a grieving family than affirming the importance of the life of their child by offering the simple gift of our Angel Gown® and supporting them emotionally and educationally afterwards," their website reads.

"We hope to touch the hearts of all Australians, especially those who have experienced the unimaginable death, illness or disability of their baby or child.

"We value the healing ability of giving and sharing; of love, compassion and community. We strive to provide the best support by offering a safe place for families who want to share their story or to express grief through art and craft. We aim to help educate the community, including our children, so they can educate their children, helping them to know that it is okay to talk about pregnancy and infant loss, childhood illness and disability.

"We recognise the importance of 'Breaking the Silence', knowing what to say and when to listen."

Lots of brides are participating in the program on a daily basis, and making a difference to many families going through trying times with their babies.