THE HEART-BREAKING tragedy of losing a baby girl inspired a Ledbury mum to set up a bereavement support charity in the child's name, and this was recently chosen as a mayoral charity for community fund-raising.

Ledbury’s former Mayor, Cllr Debbie Baker wanted to support local charities during her mayoral year, which ended in May, and one of her charities was The Madison Shelbie Trust.

As a result, a grand total of almost £2,200 was raised for Trust.

The shattering experience of losing a child inspired a local woman to set up the Trust in 2015, with the aim of "breaking the silence of grief and bereavement with particular emphasis around baby loss".

Another aim of the Trust is to "ensure we continue to provide and improve bereavement services in the area and offer a full range of bereavement support for anyone whose loved one who has died".

Sam Jones, who set up and named the Trust after her stillborn daughter said, after receiving the cheque from Cllr Baker, that she was "quite overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity from so many unsung heroes."

Her small team currently works closely with hospitals and other organisations. and the hope is that the Trust will eventually have a purpose built premises.

Cllr Baker said it had been one of the highlights of her year "to collect and present this huge amount donated by big-hearted people from around the region and beyond".

She added: “We raised the money through various activities including a quiz, through the Civic Service, a Raft Clothing charity event, a Muse Cafe fundraising week, charity coffee mornings, donations from Ledbury Arts Society, Tesco, Christmas lights, a donation from Battle Heritage, Tales of the Empire, and an afternoon tea by Janet Scriven."

But an extra special mention must go to Ledbury Community Choir, who raised £1,400.

Cllr Baker added: " There are so many people to thank and we offer our gratitude to all involved”.