THE parents of a stillborn baby are preparing to launch a charity in his memory to raise awareness of cleft lip, stillbirth and a rare chromosomal disorder.

Lisa and Russell Ventura, from St John's, Worcester will be launching their charity Frankie's Legacy at Bindles in Sidbury, Worcester, on Thursday, April 10.

The couple founded the charity after their son Francesco “Frankie” Enrico Ventura was stillborn at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital on November 29, 2013.

Mr and Mrs Ventura aim to raise awareness of cleft lip and palate, stillbirth and a rare chromosomal disorder called chromosome 15 duplication syndrome.

Funds will also be used to improve the delivery suite facilities at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital by providing equipment to add home comforts including fold out beds, comfortable chairs, and music docking stations.

Frankie’s Legacy will also raise money towards creating vouchers in information packs to help towards expenses incurred after a woman has given birth at the hospital including car parking fees and food vouchers for the birthing partner.

Mr and Mrs Ventura said: "Every penny we raise will go towards items that will enhance the experience and facilities in the delivery suite and help parents-to-be feel more comfortable and relaxed when they arrive to have a baby.

“We know from first-hand experience how important it is to feel as relaxed as possible during giving birth, and know these additions will make a huge difference to the experience and wellbeing of the parents-to-be at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital, which is especially timely with the announcement that the hospital to get a midwife led unit in the future."

The charity aims to raise £5,000 by the end of August so it can apply to be registered by the Charity Commission.

It has been granted charitable status by HRMC and has a Gift Aid number.

Joining Mr and Mrs Ventura at the launch will be mayor of Worcester Cllr Pat Agar, MP Robin Walker Rev David Southall, hospital chaplain.

It will be a chance for people to meet the founders and managing committee as well as learn more about the charity's aims and how to get involved.

"We hope to welcome as many people as possible to our launch event.

"We are also seeking donations, raffle prizes or sponsors and if anyone can help we would love to hear from them.”

Patti Paine, divisional director of nursing and midwifery at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “I am delighted to support Lisa and Russell Ventura with the launch of their charity Frankie’s Legacy and endorse their campaign to raise awareness of cleft lip/palate, stillbirth and chromosome 15 duplication syndrome.

"Lisa and Russell are an inspiration to other families who have suffered pregnancy loss and stillbirth. We are looking forward to working with them to improve our delivery suite facilities.”

Tickets to the launch event, which begins at 6pm, are £10 and are available by logging on to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/frankies-legacy-launch-business-networking-event-tickets-10709443233 or on the door on the night.

Money raised will go toward the charity.

For more information about Frankie’s Legacy email hello@frankieslegacy.org.uk or call 01905 560207.