A DEVASTATED young couple were told their first child had no heartbeat earlier this year, just days before she was due.
Jessica Hull and Matty Ellison, both 23, were eagerly anticipating the birth of their daughter Delilah in January, until Jessica became concerned about a lack of movement with the baby.
After 39 weeks of pregnancy and no previous issues, Jessica, who works as a hairdresser, and Matty were informed by nurses at Whiston Hospital that their daughter had no heartbeat.
Two days later, Jessica, who trained at Warrington Collegiate, had to go through the traumatic experience of giving birth to her stillborn daughter on Saturday, January 22 - just a day before Delilah's original due date.
Jessica, from Newton-le-Willows, said: "Everything had been absolutely fine in my pregnancy and you don't expect there to be any issues.
"I couldn't feel any movement with the baby but thought I could have just been going into labour as I was so close to the due date.
"But when we were told she had no heartbeat it was a big shock. It didn't feel real."
During her emotional stay in hospital, Jessica was put in touch with national charity, 4Louis, which supports families through miscarriages, stillbirths, and child loss.
Set up by parents who also gave birth to a stillborn baby, the charity sent the St Helens couple a 'keepsake box' so they can continue to keep the memory of Delilah alive.
Among other sentimental items, the box consisted of copies of Delilah's hand and footprints, a lock of her hair, and a love heart keyring which Jessica and Matty both have one half of.
This is in addition to the general messages of support they sent to help the bereaved parents through this difficult period.
Jessica added: "I haven't seen a lot of charities like 4Louis out there before, but they really helped us at the time and they are still supporting us months later.
"The keepsake box has been a great comfort to us every day and helps us to feel that little bit closer to our little girl.
"They make sure that you're not leaving the hospital empty-handed. Obviously, you want to leave with your baby but at least you get to leave with memories of them."
With 4Louis offering a much-needed arm of support to Jessica and Matty after the loss of Delilah, the couple, along with a "big group" of family and friends will be climbing Mount Snowdon to raise funds and awareness of the charity.
Coming as Jessica's first fundraising challenge, the Snowdon walk will take place on Delilah's six-month anniversary on Friday, July 22.
Jessica added: "I've never done anything like this before but we just want to raise awareness of how much 4Louis helped us.
"Hopefully, this may be able to help other bereaved families who go through a similar thing as us."
To support Jessica's Snowdon challenge and raise money for 4Louis, visit this link.
For more information about 4Louis, you can visit their website here.
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