A MEMORIAL to babies who died during pregnancy or close to birth has been damaged by mindless vandals.

The lifesize, copper Tree of Tranquility at Provan Hall has leaves which carry the name of a lost child.

It is unique to charity SiMBA which supports families who suffer the loss of a baby.

The tree was officially unveiled less than two weeks ago but has been badly damaged leaving families devastated.

Staff at Provan Hall in Easterhouse discovered one of the branches had been ripped off and left lying on the ground.

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Still attached were six leaves and the charity had the heartbreaking task of phoning the affected families to let them know what had happened.

Sara Fitzsimmons, executive director of SiMBA, said: "Parents have found it devastating this could happen.

"For some parents it is the only place they have where they can go which has their baby's name on it.

"I am sure whoever did this didn't think about the impact it would have but for someone to break off the branch and leave it lying by the tree is absolutely crazy.

"The tree is absolutely stunning and we want the people of Glasgow to take ownership of it."

Valerie Callan, who now lives in Balfron, lost her baby in 2002 as a result of a stillbirth and had her daughter's name inscribed on one of the leaves on the vandalised branch.

She said: "What has happened is really disappointing and it will be really difficult for some families to accept. There is no excuse for the vandalism.

"The tree is a place where we can go and where our children are recognised. For many people there is no recognition so it a special place where they can go and acknowledge their children."

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Lisa Hague, who is an ambassador for the charity and the partner of Celtic player Kris Commons, lost her baby Lola in 2008.

She said: "I am horrified by what has happened. It is called the Tree of Tranquillity and is supposed to be a place where parents can go for precious time thinking about their babies.

"For someone to vandalise it is awful and is another pain for families to deal with.

"We have waited such a long time for such a beautiful spot and what has happened is really upsetting."

The charity is urging anyone with any information about the vandalism to contact constable Jacqueline Carmichael of Easterhouse community policing team on 0141 532 4355.