A TIRELESS campaigner and a hospital chaplain from Worcester have been nominated for a prestigious award for a second year running after being recognised for their inspirational work.

PR and marketing consultant, aged 41, Lisa Ventura has been shortlisted in the inspirational mother category in the Butterfly Awards alongside David Southall who will be representing the bereavement worker category.

The national award celebrates survivors and champions of baby loss, while also giving special recognition to people who work hard to help and comfort those who have lost a baby at any stage of pregnancy or post-birth.

Mrs Ventura’s only son Frankie was still born when she was 33 weeks pregnant on November 29, 2013. She also suffered six miscarriages prior to having Frankie, and four after his birth. She now works tirelessly to raise as much awareness as possible.

Mrs Ventura said she was overwhelmed by her nomination.

“There are no winners in baby loss, especially in the inspirational mother and inspirational father categories,” she said.

“The Butterfly Awards are so important to raise much needed awareness of early pregnancy loss, stillbirth and neonatal death. These topics are at the forefront of many people’s minds at the moment.”

Rev David Southall, chaplain of the Worcestershire Royal Hospital, who writes a weekly column for the Worcester News, said: “In the course of my work I meet many parents who experience early pregnancy loss, stillbirth or neonatal death.

“These couples and families are some of most inspirational people I have met in my life.

“I’m moved by these parents because they are facing one of the most challenging situations life can deal out.

“I’m honoured to be nominated for a butterfly award and grateful to have a small part to play in the lives of others.”

The red carpet event will be held on Saturday, October 10 at the Bank House Hotel in Bransford.

The awards raise money for Towards Tomorrow Together, who are a registered charity offering services to complement the work already done by midwives and hospital staff in Worcestershire to support people who have lost a baby.

Voting is open until midnight on Saturday, September 19 via thebutterflyawards.com.