A NEW charity set up in the memory of a stillborn baby has received a £500 donation from St John in Bedwardine Church.

Frankie's Legacy founders Russell and Lisa Ventura said they were thrilled to receive the money which will go towards improving the delivery suite facilities at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

The couple, from St John's, Worcester, set up the charity after suffering the stillbirth of their son Francesco "Frankie" Enrico Ventura at the hospital on Friday, November 29.

Margaret Morris, church warden at St John In Bedwardine Church, Bromyard Road, said: "Here at St John's Church we are delighted as part of our charitable giving for 2014 to present Russell and Lisa with a £500 cheque for Frankie’s Legacy.

"Our aim is to assist charities for whom a donation of this magnitude will make a significant difference.

"It is so inspiring to see Russell and Lisa turning their personal tragedy into a positive way to help others in similar circumstances.

"We wish them every success and hope that Frankie’s Legacy not only helps others but provides them with a source of comfort."

Frankie's Legacy hopes to provide home comforts to the suite including fold out beds, comfortable chairs, Google Chrome books, music docking stations and tea and coffee making facilities.

It also hopes to produce vouchers and information packs for parents-to-be.

Mr and Mrs Ventura said the donation will go towards their goal of raising a minimum of £5,000 by the end of August 2014 so they can apply to the Charity Commission to become a registered charity.

Frankie's Legacy has charitable status with HMRC and a Gift Aid number.

“We are thrilled with this donation from St John In Bedwardine Church.

"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 calm 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 wellbeing of parents-to-be during giving birth.”

The couple have also launched Worcestershire Bereavement Support Group for people who have suffered an early pregnancy loss, stillbirth or neonatal death which meets at Bindles on the second Tuesday of every month.

They have also partnered with Towards Tomorrow Together to provide memory boxes for bereaved parents at Worcestershire hospitals.

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