AN Evenwood dad and his daughter have launched a huge fundraising effort after their closest friends suffered a stillbirth.
Cash raised through events organised by Adam and Lily Morton will go to the 4Louis charity in recognition of the support it offered David and Charlotte Hogarth whose daughter Elysia Robyn was stillborn on May 14.
Adam was asked to be Elysia’s godfather at David and Charlotte’s wedding in October last year.
He said: “It was all announced with a photo of them holding a baby’s hat. We had an inkling because Charlotte wouldn’t have a glass of champagne. They are the nicest couple you could ever meet.
“We have both been through a lot the last couple of years and they are always there to support us and vice-versa – they are absolutely a lovely pair.”
Charlotte gave birth at North Durham University Hospital, which has a specialist bereavement room for families who suffer a stillbirth or miscarriage.
David and Charlotte had six days in the room with their daughter where they received support from the 4Louis charity.
Adam said: “You don’t realise how many people are suffering. Just to watch them go through it is horrendous. The room there, just to have those six days was everything. It just meant so much to spend time and make memories.
“The charity provided professional photographers, memory boxes, teddy bears, blankets, just lots of little things like that and the hospital staff were fantastic.”
The charity’s support extended beyond immediate family to include close friends.
Lily, who is 15, was particularly affected by the loss.
Adam said: “It just went from the excitement of the wedding and expecting the baby, and then explaining that the baby wasn’t going to come. It was through the charity 4Louis that Lily was able to accept and understand.”
The pair have already raised £900 after organising a Euros 2024 sweepstake, a name a bear competition and football cards.
In the pipeline is a coffee morning at Evenwood’s Parish Hall and a quiz at the workingmen’s club. Lily will also be taking part in the Junior Great North Run and a raffle is currently underway. Prizes include a two-person tour of Coronation Street.
The father and daughter team are no strangers to charity and last year they raised £1,300 for Pancreatic Cancer UK through a 100-mile in a month challenge and a coffee morning.
l The latest coffee morning takes place at Evenwood Church Hall on Saturday, July 20, from 10.30am to 1pm. It includes a raffle, tombola, kids games and a magician.
