A BEREAVED couple who began fundraising in memory of their stillborn son have applied to become a registered charity.

Lisa and Russell Ventura, from St John's, Worcester, have also raised enough money since they launched Frankie's Legacy in April this year to add home comforts to a delivery suite.

The couple hope to add the specially selected items to the room at Worcestershire Royal Hospital by about mid-September.

An application to register Frankie's Legacy as a charity was sent on Monday and will take up to six weeks to process.

Mr and Mrs Ventura's son Francesco “Frankie” Enrico Ventura was stillborn at the hospital in November 2013.

The charity has been given a boost with a £500 donation from Droitwich Lions Ladies and will be holding a family fun day at The Pavilion in the Park on Sunday from 11am to 6pm.

Angela Phillips, from Droitwich Lions Ladies, said: “Hearing Lisa's story really touched me and when I told our ladies about Frankie's Legacy there was an overwhelming desire to help this wonderful cause.”

The couple said they were over the moon and very grateful for the donation.

"We can now equip one delivery suite room with items to make every couple who uses that room more comfortable when they go in to have their babies, and we aim to equip all ten rooms with comfortable chairs, fold out beds and other home comforts.

"Every penny we raise will go towards enhancing the 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 parents-to-be.”

For more information on the charity email hello@frankieslegacy.org.uk or call 01905 560207.